Debswana donates to Masiela Trust

Masiela Trust Fund has received a major financial boost from diamond mining company Debswana towards the Trust initiatives, which are mostly aimed at improving the lives of the most vulnerable of the society.

Speaking at the handing over of the P200, 000 cheque, Debswana Managing Director, Balisi Bonyongo said his company always found it fit to helps those less fortunate. “We are all concerned and willing to do something about the plight of neglected and marginalised children in our society.” The Debswana boss informed the attendants that 2016 is the year to demonstrate commitment to the Botswana’s Vision 2016 Pillar of “A Compassionate, Just and Caring Nation” by caring for Masiela kids. 

Chairperson of the board of Masiela Trust Fund, Gulaam Abdoola who received the cheque on behalf of the Trust thanked Debswana for its contribution.

However, he lamented that the contributions they receive from companies and individuals are still insufficient to meet all the needs of the children.The Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr. Unity Dow who personally pledged P10 000 encouraged everyone to make any type of contribution or donation to the Masiela Trust. She said having worked in an organisation of that nature before, she knows the financial challenges and other complications that come with these organisations.

As part of the company’s CSR commitment to the needy, in 1999 Debswana donated a housing complex known as the Mpule Kwelagobe Children’s Centre in Jwaneng which started operating in the year 2000. The facility occupies a space of 25,000 square metres and comprises 210 rooms, which can accommodate approximately 420 children.

In 2009, Debswana also constructed a house at SOS Children’s village in Serowe as part of the first family houses.  Masiela Trust, a non-Government Organisation established in 2001 to complement the government in caring, supporting and protecting orphans and vulnerable children.