Tokelo Khausela
FIRST National Bank (FNB) Lesotho has donated over 500 pairs of school shoes and socks to learners in the 10 districts across the country.
The donation was made through the bank’s ‘Helping Hand Cares’ initiative.
The initiative began in 2022 in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training, targeting three schools per district.
Speaking at a media briefing at Sekhametsi Building in Maseru yesterday, FNB Head of Marketing and Communications, Masakoane Hanyane, said the donation was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility programme.
“Our extension of helping vulnerable children emphasizes the bank’s ongoing support and commitment to drive and build solid educational foundations in the country, as education is the fundamental right of every citizen” Ms Hanyane said.
“We are going to disperse the shoes and socks starting from end of August till September. In that process, we will be able to identify other needs of the learners and connect with the learners.”
FNB Chief Executive Officer, Delekazi Mokebe, also spoke at the event and said it was through this initiative that the bank sought to touch the lives of Basotho from grassroots level.
“Our dedication to uplift communities and the betterment of our fellow Basotho is a promise we intend to keep. We hope to continue with this work for many years to come as we try to bring hope to every Mosotho child,” Ms Mokebe said.
Ms Mokebe also said the bank’s intention was to encourage school-attendance and reignite learners’ aspirations by equipping them with basic requirements that instil confidence to complete their studies.
On his part, the Ministry of Education’s principal secretary, John Oliphant, acknowledged FNB’s efforts in mitigating the challenges faced by vulnerable children across the country.
“Education is important. However, challenges may arise that hinder one to study effectively because
learners come from different backgrounds and those who cannot afford necessities feel secluded and quit,” Dr Oliphant said.
He noted that the country was faced with many hurdles that include HIV/AIDS which had left children orphaned and Covid-19, that threatened the means of survival for many families.
“We are thankful that FNB have extended their hand in assisting learners and their commitment dates back last year and may they continue to do right to Basotho,” Dr Oliphant said.
