In the presence of Kgosi-Kgolo Mosadi Seboko, the Ramotswa Centre for the Deaf recently received a donation of 1.3 million pula in the form of a block of new furnished classrooms from the First National Bank Botswana (FNBB).
Kgosi Seboko said that FNBB’s donation was a sign that private companies are contributing significantly to the nation through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
She said that she was only too happy that the banks choose to invest in a school in Ramotswa.
“This should urge everyone, be it individuals, small businesses or large enterprises to consider giving to the needy since a contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference,” said Kgosi Seboko.
FNBB had made the donation to the Botswana Society for the Deaf (BSD), which is affiliated to the Botswana Council for the Disabled. BSD is an organization that advocates for the rights of the hearing impaired in Botswana.
According to Bomolemo Selaledi, Head of Marketing and Communications at FNBB, the donation was inspired by the fact that research has shown that an estimated 20 000 people in Botswana are affected by hearing difficulties.
Fifty percent of this number is said to be children and only 514 of the 10 000 children have access to formal education while 214 are currently waiting to be enrolled.
Selaledi said that in its continuing struggle to secure equal opportunities for the hearing impaired through education, the BSD has made its position clear. It needs more classrooms to expand its facilities and be able to accommodate more learners.
Selaledi said that FNB is proud to be associated with the effort, and will continue to take an interest in contributing to society’s activities and progress.
“FNB’s significant donation emerges as an important challenge to other corporate citizens to give their full material and moral support to such a deserving cause, and help to sustainably improve lives through education and skills development,” said Selaledi.
Also present at the occasion was Odirile Motlhale, Member of Parliament for South-east-south, who sang praises for FNBB and its continuous contribution to the education system in Ramotswa.
“I wonder if FNBB is excelling because it’s being led by a woman, and our village is prospering because it’s also led by a woman,” said Motlhale.
