According to Rakops JSS committee spokesperson and school alumnus Dr Fine Thabologo, residents visited the school after seeing the post and were shocked by the condition of the boarding facilities, which serve 333 learners from Rakops, Xere, Mmadikola, Xumo and Toromoja.

The community quickly mobilized through social media, with contributions ranging from P20 to P200. They raised P45, 000, before a fundraising dinner brought in a further P17, 000, taking the community contribution to

P62, 000.

Dr Thabologo said the initiative then attracted Debswana through its Project Management Office, which donated 24 doors, locks and paint, while also helping bring more partners on board. Jumborp and Rosedale joined the project, providing skilled manpower. Rosedale brought 20 doors, 30 locks, vanish and hinges. One of the partners has also committed P200 000 towards ablution facilities, including both water-based and non-waterbased systems.

Today, the transformation has moved from fundraising to action. Workers have started installing 48 doors and locks at the boys’ hostels, which previously had no doors, addressing security and safety concern for boarders.

Meanwhile, EIMC is assisting with the reinstallation of electricity and replacing all the windows at the hostels.

The committee is appealing for more individuals, businesses and organizations to come on board and help give Rakops JSS learners a safe, secure and conducive boarding environment.