VISIT OF DG ANNEAS BALT TO MOCHUDI RESOURCE CENTRE FOR THE BLIND, 5 OCTOBER 2013
 

Some Rotarians led by President Barry accompanied DG Anneas and Ann Valerie and DGPR Mark Doyle and Ann Lyn to Mochudi Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB) and the Adolescent Centre of the Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (BCCCE).

At MRCB we were welcomed by the Board Secretary Mrs. Mamapilo and by the Board Director, Mrs. Sophie Moalosi. We were treated to a demonstration of hula-hoop by the children. Because blindness hampers body movement, we were told that this exercise is very important as it promotes balance and the coordination of muscles.

In the synopsis of the Centre, Mrs. Moalosi said that the Centre started its operations in 1969 with only 7 children in a post office building, built out of mud. The Centre was first used for an adult literacy project before being devoted to the visually impaired all across Botswana. It provides resettling programmes, programmes to help with muscle development, coordination, movement, and to broaden the horizons of the visually challenged children.

The Centre is managed by a Board of Governors and the Dutch Reform Church in Botswana. The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Hon. Dikgakgamatso Ndelu Seretse is the Patron of the Centre.

Right now the Centre is taking care of 82 children, some of whom attend the special primary school nearby for the visually impaired. Out of these 82 children, 17 are under 6 years old and are undergoing early stimulation in preparation for school attendance. She mentioned that 25 children were on the waiting list as the Centre cannot accommodate them.

The Centre is partially funded by the Government as far as food, utilities, staff salaries, the general upkeep and other running costs are concerned. Anything else including structures, vehicles, etc. need to be fundraised.

She then listed the successes of the Centre:

1. It has never closed its doors since it started operation back in 1969.

2. It owns its own premises and has a plot designated to build a fully-fledged rehabilitation centre.

3. It has produced graduates from universities, degree holders, diploma holders and some of its students are enrolled in tertiary education.

She ended by saying that RCG is “adding value to the life” of the children who are visually impaired.

All those present were moved by the MRCB Choir who sang a song dedicated to the Club: WE THANK YOU GOD FOR ROTARY CLUB TO TAKE THE TIME TO VISIT US.

Deeply touched, DG Anneas asked all the children present to believe in themselves. He thanked the staff and the management of MRCB for the nurturing of these children as “every child is precious and is a gift”.

The delegation then proceeded to the Adolescent Centre of the Botswana Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (BCCCE). RCG has been involved in providing professional services for the erection of this brand new building. Right now the building is being furnished and very soon will welcome the children. 

Rtn Sashi Jaddoo