First Capital Bank Partners with Medlane and Agora Club Botswana to mitigate cataract-induced blindness
First Capital Bank, in partnership with Medlane and Agora Club Botswana, has launched two impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects aimed at improving the lives of visually impaired children and tackling cataract-induced blindness in Botswana.
At the heart of these initiatives is a combined contribution of P315,000, with P165,000 allocated to fund 15 cataract surgeries and P150,000 directed towards refurbishing the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired.
Speaking at a ceremonial handover held at the Mochudi Centre on Wednesday, First Capital Bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Hajra Mahomed-Tajbhai, underscored the bank’s commitment to community upliftment.
“We are proud to partner with Medlane and Agora Club Botswana in these vital initiatives. They embody our pledge to improve the health and well-being of Batswana,” said Mahomed-Tajbhai. “Through these efforts, we not only restore sight but also provide meaningful support to children with visual impairments.
"Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in Botswana, affecting countless lives and creating a backlog of patients in desperate need of care. At Medlane Day Hospital, we refuse to let this remain the reality. With the support of First Capital Bank and the Botswana Ministry of Health, we are working to ensure that no one is left in the dark due to preventable blindness.
Together, we can transform lives, restoring vision and hope through accessible, life-changing cataract surgeries. This is our shared mission, a commitment to a brighter, clearer future for all," said Dr Noorain Lottering, Superintendent of Medlane Day Hospital.
Cataracts remain a significant health challenge, contributing to nearly half of all blindness cases in Botswana. With over 20,000 people on the waiting list for surgery, First Capital Bank’s initiative aims to bridge this gap in collaboration with Medlane and the Ministry of Health.
Mahomed-Tajbhai explained that the bank will sponsor cataract surgeries at a cost of P11,000 each, which includes pre and post operative care. This intervention is expected to restore sight to those who otherwise could not afford the procedure.
The second pillar of this CSR project focuses on improving the living conditions at the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired. Established in 1969 by the Dutch Reformed Church, the center remains the only facility in Botswana offering hostel services to children with visual impairments. It currently accommodates 38 children, providing them with specialized care and education.
“Started in 1969, founded by the Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana, the mission was initiated by Dr. Gaited. It eventually grew into a fully-fledged organization, a church-based initiative.
We take in children from all over the country for assessment. Those who are legally blind are placed here. We also have one center in Francistown, we take both primary school and preschool children aged 3 to 6 years.
We actively engage in fundraising and reaching out to donors. The government assists by paying the teachers' salaries. Currently, we have 38 children enrolled: 16 in preschool.
Next year, we plan to increase our capacity to accommodate 50–60 children.” Representative of Mochudi Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, Tebatso Menyatso
Agora Club Botswana, which is spearheading the refurbishment, has a longstanding history of community service. Founded in 2015, the non-profit organization is part of Agora Club International, a global network operating in 23 countries.
“Our motto, Donner et Tolerer (Service and Tolerance), drives us to serve our communities and uplift the most vulnerable among us,” said Sumaya Khan, President of Agora Club Botswana.
The renovation project, made possible by First Capital Bank’s generous funding, will include upgrades to the hostel facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the children.
“This initiative reflects our mission to help those in need,” said Khan. “It is about more than just improving the centers’ infrastructure; it is about giving these children a better chance at life and learning.”
The partnership between First Capital Bank and Agora Club Botswana is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development. Agora Club has previously donated bunk beds,
mattresses, and even supported food self-sufficiency through a garden project.
Mahomed-Tajbhai highlighted the importance of such collaborations in achieving long-term community impact. “These partnerships demonstrate what is possible when different sectors come together to address critical social issues,” she said.
As the center prepares to increase its capacity to 50-60 children next year, the future looks promising. The collaboration between First Capital Bank, Medlane, and Agora Club Botswana is expected to serve as a model for other corporate and non-profit partnerships.
“This project not only improves the lives of children at the center but also serves as a beacon of hope for the broader community,” Menyatso noted.
At the heart of these initiatives is a combined contribution of P315,000, with P165,000 allocated to fund 15 cataract surgeries and P150,000 directed towards refurbishing the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired.
Speaking at a ceremonial handover held at the Mochudi Centre on Wednesday, First Capital Bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Hajra Mahomed-Tajbhai, underscored the bank’s commitment to community upliftment.
“We are proud to partner with Medlane and Agora Club Botswana in these vital initiatives. They embody our pledge to improve the health and well-being of Batswana,” said Mahomed-Tajbhai. “Through these efforts, we not only restore sight but also provide meaningful support to children with visual impairments.
"Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness in Botswana, affecting countless lives and creating a backlog of patients in desperate need of care. At Medlane Day Hospital, we refuse to let this remain the reality. With the support of First Capital Bank and the Botswana Ministry of Health, we are working to ensure that no one is left in the dark due to preventable blindness.
Together, we can transform lives, restoring vision and hope through accessible, life-changing cataract surgeries. This is our shared mission, a commitment to a brighter, clearer future for all," said Dr Noorain Lottering, Superintendent of Medlane Day Hospital.
Cataracts remain a significant health challenge, contributing to nearly half of all blindness cases in Botswana. With over 20,000 people on the waiting list for surgery, First Capital Bank’s initiative aims to bridge this gap in collaboration with Medlane and the Ministry of Health.
Mahomed-Tajbhai explained that the bank will sponsor cataract surgeries at a cost of P11,000 each, which includes pre and post operative care. This intervention is expected to restore sight to those who otherwise could not afford the procedure.
The second pillar of this CSR project focuses on improving the living conditions at the Mochudi Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired. Established in 1969 by the Dutch Reformed Church, the center remains the only facility in Botswana offering hostel services to children with visual impairments. It currently accommodates 38 children, providing them with specialized care and education.
“Started in 1969, founded by the Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana, the mission was initiated by Dr. Gaited. It eventually grew into a fully-fledged organization, a church-based initiative.
We take in children from all over the country for assessment. Those who are legally blind are placed here. We also have one center in Francistown, we take both primary school and preschool children aged 3 to 6 years.
We actively engage in fundraising and reaching out to donors. The government assists by paying the teachers' salaries. Currently, we have 38 children enrolled: 16 in preschool.
Next year, we plan to increase our capacity to accommodate 50–60 children.” Representative of Mochudi Resource Center for the Visually Impaired, Tebatso Menyatso
Agora Club Botswana, which is spearheading the refurbishment, has a longstanding history of community service. Founded in 2015, the non-profit organization is part of Agora Club International, a global network operating in 23 countries.
“Our motto, Donner et Tolerer (Service and Tolerance), drives us to serve our communities and uplift the most vulnerable among us,” said Sumaya Khan, President of Agora Club Botswana.
The renovation project, made possible by First Capital Bank’s generous funding, will include upgrades to the hostel facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the children.
“This initiative reflects our mission to help those in need,” said Khan. “It is about more than just improving the centers’ infrastructure; it is about giving these children a better chance at life and learning.”
The partnership between First Capital Bank and Agora Club Botswana is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development. Agora Club has previously donated bunk beds,
mattresses, and even supported food self-sufficiency through a garden project.
Mahomed-Tajbhai highlighted the importance of such collaborations in achieving long-term community impact. “These partnerships demonstrate what is possible when different sectors come together to address critical social issues,” she said.
As the center prepares to increase its capacity to 50-60 children next year, the future looks promising. The collaboration between First Capital Bank, Medlane, and Agora Club Botswana is expected to serve as a model for other corporate and non-profit partnerships.
“This project not only improves the lives of children at the center but also serves as a beacon of hope for the broader community,” Menyatso noted.