HRDC raises funds for the needy

Poverty is a global challenge that requires a global response in order to ensure that every citizen of Botswana lives a dignified life, First lady, Neo Masisi has said.

Masisi was speaking this past weekend at Travel Lodge during the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) gala dinner. She said HRDC is doing well in their social responsibility, particularly on including the less privileged. “I am delighted that they have adopted social responsibility as an integral part of their ecosystem,” she said.

"This is the kind of visionary leadership that the country needs", she said and urged all other entities to also emulate HRDC and engage in CSR.HRDC has adopted Malatswai primary school in Central District and East Hanahai Primary School in Ghanzi District to improve the learning systems in these schools.

Malatswai Primary School is the only learning facility in the village and when HRDC found out that the school had challenges of poor academic performance and lacked some resources they adopted it. HRDC staff members have since bought stationery for the school, for the benefit of the learners, which contributed positively towards the PSLE results last year.

CEO of HRDC, Dr. Raphael Dingalo said the donations that they brought for Malatswai came at an opportune time when the Standard 7 pupils sat for their exams. “The mandate of HRDC is ultimately to improve human life and that includes celebrating good academic and social performance as exulted at the prize giving ceremony,” he said.

HRDC Board Chairperson, Moggie Mbaakanyi said that they do CSR out of a moral obligation and as a service to fellow countrymen to preserve the dignity and sense of worth for those that are economically marginalised and socially deprived. “The gratification of a life worth lived, is seeking to edify and add value to mankind; the ability to put a smile on one’s face, through acts of kindness and words of encouragement. This is the consolation that inspires us to carry on,” said Mbaakanyi.

First Lady, Masisi applauded HRDC for depending on botho as a principle, saying that teaching children the spirit of botho at schools is very important.HRDC Board Member Dr. Thapelo Matsheka appreciated everyone who took part in the event by sponsoring, pledging and buying tickets. He said the funds raised from the gala dinner would be used to build a house for a needy family that is yet to be identified.