By Neo Kolane
First National Bank (FNB) Lesotho has announced that it will soon distribute pairs of shoes and socks to young learners at three schools in each of the country’s 10 districts.
The donation will be made through the bank’s Helping Hand Cares initiative that began last year.
The ministry of education assists with identifying underprivileged pupils in the districts.
The head of marketing and communications at FNB Lesotho, Masakoane Hanyane, yesterday said they believe in making changes to communities by providing opportunities that help in building a better future.
Hanyane noted that the bank’s assistance to vulnerable learners highlights its ongoing support and commitment to drive and build solid educational foundations in the country.
“It is an honour to take part in this initiative, which aims to benefit young learners, as the Sesotho expression says ‘thupa e kobjoa e sa le metsi,” she said.
“We want learners to go to school without any hindrances. We’ve found out that some do not attend school because they do not have shoes,” she added.
On her part, FNB Lesotho CEO Delekazi Mokebe said the donation was part of their efforts to positively touch the lives of Basotho at the grassroots level.
Mokebe said the bank stands by its promises to uplift local communities.
“It is for this very reason that we seek to change the lives of children through random acts of kindness. We hope to continue with this work for many years to come as we try to bring hope to every Mosotho child,” she pointed out.
She also said it is the bank’s intention to bring hope, encourage attendance, and reignite learners’ aspirations by equipping them with basic requirements that instill confidence and dedication towards education.
“It is through such efforts that we seek to contribute to learners’ early childhood development,” she added.
Speaking at the same occasion, the principal secretary of higher learning in the ministry of education, John Oliphant, underscored the importance of education.
He hailed FNB Lesotho’s initiative, saying it gave children confidence to go to school.
