By Neo Kolane
The charity arm of Vodacom Lesotho, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has donated 2000 pairs of shoes to needy primary and high school pupils from five districts across the country.
Quthing, Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong, Mohale’s Hoek and Semonkong in Maseru will each receive 400 pairs of shoes.
The Vodacom Lesotho Executive Head of Regulatory and External Affairs, Tṥepo Ntaopane, said it was their responsibility to assist the government to ensure that all children get an education.
He noted that Vodacom Lesotho Foundation is mandated to invest in critical areas of development in line with Lesotho’s national strategic development plan.
“We support sustainable initiatives that drive social change, improve people’s lives and solve pressing social needs,” Ntaopane said on Monday during the handover ceremony in Maseru.
The telecommunications giant has keen interest in health, education, social welfare, gender equity and women empowerment, youth empowerment, safety and security issues, he indicated.
Ntaopane added that plans were in the pipeline to donate reusable pads and stationery so that no child is hindered from getting the education they need.
In his acceptance speech, the principal secretary in the ministry of education, John Oliphant, said the government aims to ensure every child has access to education. This could be achieved through corporate social initiatives by the private sector.
He said when a child goes to school without shoes or socks, it affects their esteem leading to lack of interest in their education.
Oliphant commended Vodacom Lesotho for the gesture, saying that the company should continue supporting Basotho.
“This is a huge initiative from Vodacom Lesotho,” he noted.
