…after children endured leaking roof and poor living conditions
Seithati Motšoeneng
CHILDREN with disabilities at St Angela Home in Ha Seleso, Maseru, are now living in safer and more comfortable conditions after Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished the facility following years of leaking roofs and deteriorating infrastructure.
The Foundation officially handed over the renovated residential facility on Tuesday, marking the completion of a project aimed at improving the living conditions of the 53 children housed at the institution.
The refurbishment included extensive roof repairs, installation of solar geysers and high-pressure water pumps, as well as a commitment to supply the home with groceries for a year.
For years, rainwater reportedly leaked through the deteriorating roof into the children’s bedrooms, causing discomfort and anxiety.
St Angela Home Director, Sister Reginah Ntisa, said the intervention had restored safety, comfort and dignity to the children.
“Vodacom Lesotho Foundation supported us with roof repairs, solar geysers and high-pressure pumps, while also committing to provide groceries for an entire year,” Sr Ntisa said.
“This support has helped restore safety, comfort and dignity to our children and we are profoundly grateful.”
One of the residents, Tsietsi, said the assistance meant more than simply having a renovated building.
“This support gives us dignity, comfort and renewed hope for the future,” Tsietsi said.
“We thank Vodacom Lesotho Foundation for standing with us and showing us that we matter.”
The project forms part of the Foundation’s broader disability inclusion and social investment initiatives.
Head of Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, Tšepo Ntaopane, said inclusion required deliberate efforts to remove barriers faced by people with disabilities.
“People with disabilities must never be excluded from opportunities that enable them to learn, grow and contribute meaningfully to society,” Mr Ntaopane said.
“Disability inclusion is not simply one of the Foundation’s priorities. It is a commitment that informs how we engage with communities and where we invest our resources.”
Mr Ntaopane said sustainable progress required collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society organisations and development partners.
Representing the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development, Director of Disability Services, ‘Mathabo Pama, said the renovation should be viewed as a fulfilment of children’s rights rather than an act of charity.
“Every child has the right to live in safety and dignity,” Ms Pama said.
“By repairing this facility, Vodacom Lesotho Foundation is protecting that right and helping to create a secure environment where these children can thrive.”
Ms Pama called on other private-sector organisations to increase their investment in programmes promoting disability inclusion and creating lasting social impact.
Guest of honour, Chieftainess ‘Malerotholi Mathealira Seeiso, also praised the Foundation for its contribution, saying the intervention had the potential to improve the children’s lives for years to come.
She also commended the caregivers and staff of St Angela Home for their dedication to caring for some of the country’s most vulnerable children.
Established in 1985, St Angela Home provides accommodation and care for 53 children with disabilities aged between six and 18.
The latest intervention forms part of Vodacom Lesotho Foundation’s “Connecting for Good” programme, which seeks to combine improvements in living conditions with longer-term efforts to promote opportunities, inclusion and social participation for people with disabilities across Lesotho.
