AboutTime Issue 40 | Page 9

STAFF NEWS A renewed hope for Cancer Association of Botswana By Roy Mapharing Childhood cancer has been on the rise in Botswana. The only treatment centre is in Gaborone, at the Princess Marina Referral Hospital. The majority of the diagnosed cases are children from outside Gaborone. The Cancer Association of Botswana, in conjunction with the Ladies Circle Botswana, approached Time Projects Botswana and other stakeholders to help put together an after-care facility. The new home of Happy Hearts will comprise three blocks of special accommodation. It will accommodate children aged between1-5 years, 6-12 years and over13 years respectively while they recover from chemotherapy treatment for about 6-8 months. The Cancer Association of Botswana will be the custodians of the home. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will provide support once the centre starts to operate. A ground-breaking ceremony officiated by the Vice President of the Republic of Botswana Mr Slumber Tsogwane was held on 27 June 2019. Time Projects is proud to be part of this wonderful initiative. Congrats Granny and Grandpa Sandy and Janet became grandparents for the first time when Abigail Lee arrived two weeks premature on 20 October 2019 and weighed in at 2.85 kg. Congratulations to Shona and Sheldon on their first child. ISSUE 40 - DECEMBER 2019 9