Bokang Mofoka
INSTEAD of marking His Majesty King Letsie III’s birthday with festivities and entertainment, Maseru Mall has celebrated the occasion by giving back to vulnerable children, donating gifts to SOS Children’s Village Lesotho.
The gesture formed part of the mall’s efforts to honour the King’s birthday through community service, with management saying they wanted to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children who had lost parental care or were at risk of growing up without family support.
Receiving the donation this past weekend, SOS’s Acting Country Director, Palesa Khotlele, thanked Maseru Mall for supporting children in need, describing the gesture as a valuable contribution to the organisation’s mission.
Ms Khotlele said SOS provided care for children from birth to the age of eight who had either lost their parents or were at risk of losing parental care.
“We receive children from as young as newborns up to eight years old. Many of them come to us after experiencing very painful and traumatic situations. Some have lost their parents, while others come from circumstances where they can no longer be safely cared for by their families,” Ms Khotlele said.
She explained that children first underwent counselling and psychosocial support to help them recover emotionally before being integrated into nurturing family environments.
“When children first arrive here, many carry emotional wounds because of what they have experienced. Our responsibility is not only to provide food and shelter but also to help them recover from those experiences through counselling and psychosocial support,” she said.
She said the organisation’s family-based care model ensured children grew up in loving homes led by foster parents rather than institutional settings.
“Our model is family-based care. We ensure that every child grows up knowing parental love and care. We believe every child deserves to experience what it means to belong to a family,” she said.
Ms Khotlele added that wherever possible, the organisation worked towards reuniting children with their biological families or placing them with relatives once conditions permit.
“Our ultimate goal is family reintegration whenever it is in the child’s best interest. However, where children cannot safely return to their families, we continue to care for them until they complete tertiary education and are able to become independent adults.”
She said the organisation provided children with food, clothing, education, healthcare and other essential services needed for healthy development.
Handing over the goods, Maseru Mall Marketing Manager, Teboho Mncina, said the donation reflected the mall’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
“This year we wanted to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday differently. Traditionally, we have marked the occasion through food celebrations and public festivities, but we felt it was important to do something that directly benefits members of our community,” Mncina said.
He said supporting vulnerable children was a fitting way to honour King Letsie III’s longstanding commitment to the welfare of Basotho.
“We thought the best way to celebrate was by sharing with those who need support the most. It is our responsibility as a corporate citizen to contribute towards building stronger communities,” he said.
Mr Mncina announced that the initiative would become an annual tradition.
“This is something we intend to continue in the years ahead. Going forward, we want celebrating His Majesty’s birthday to become synonymous with giving back to the community.”
The children and their foster parents expressed appreciation through songs and messages of gratitude, while caregivers said partnerships with the private sector played an important role in improving the wellbeing of children under their care.
SOS Children’s Village Lesotho operates in Maseru, Leribe and Quthing, providing family-based care, family strengthening programmes and support services aimed at ensuring vulnerable children grow up in safe, stable and caring environments.
