On 10th August 2018, H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo, the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony of China Aid Mmopany Primary School and delivered remarks. Around 150 guests from Botswana government, Mmopany society and Chinese enterprises attended the ceremony, including the senior government officials Hon. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Vincent Seretse, the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, and Mr. Jeffery Sibisibi, the Chairman of Kweneng District Council.

In his remarks, Ambassador Zhao expressed appreciation to the government of Botswana and Mmopane community for their support that made the Mmopane Primary School project started construction. He emphasized that Chinese government adhered to the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith in the cooperation with Africa. The friendship and cooperation between our two countries grew over the years since the establishment of diplomatic tie. In the field of education, China offered support and assistance within its capacity to Botswana. The Mmopane Primary School project was another important China aid project to Botswana while China provided with Chinese Government scholarships. He said Chinese side would work closely with Botswana side to ensure the project be completed with high quality on time, hoped that the new Mmopane Primary School after completion would create comfortable studying environment for the local students and help them to be useful members to the nation.

Minister Venson-Moitoi in her remarks extended gratitude to the Chinese government for the continued support to Botswana’s development agenda. She regarded the project as another gift that Chinese government gave to Botswana people and hoped the project would complete on time.

Minister Seretse said in the vote of thanks, the completion of the project would help create a conducive learning environment for the Mmopane community.

The honored guests visited the construction site of the school project and laid the foundation stone of the new school.