Staff Reporter
ECONET Telecom Lesotho this week donated food packages worth M10 000 to Ministry of Hope, an orphanage in Katlehong, Maseru.
The donation came at an opportune time as the orphanage has also been grappling with the economic impact of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The second wave has led to a national lockdown and closure of schools to curb the spread of the virus.
Econet public relations manager Puleng Masoabi this week said the donation was in line with her company’s drive to donate to orphanages monthly as espoused by its philanthropic arm, HigherLife Foundation Lesotho.
The donations were supposed to have been handed over in December but were delayed to avoid spreading Covid-19. However, upon realising that the virus was not relenting, Econet decided proceed.
“This is part of what we do monthly but December is always special as we try to ensure that kids at selected homes enjoy the festive season,” Masoabi said.
“It is during that time that the management and staff of Econet Telecom Lesotho take time off their busy schedules to serve delicious meals and enjoy fun games with the kids at selected orphanages.”
Ministry of Hope caretaker, ‘Mamonyane Mohale expressed gratitude to Econet for the donations which she said couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Although we have 25 children, some still live with their relatives whom we have to support together with the child,” Ms Mohale said.
She said the number of their dependents usually increases because of their policy not to separate siblings.
The orphanage serves as a rehabilitation centre for nutrition as most of the children they cater for would be needing proper nutritional diet.
The 25 children under the care of Ministry of Hope are aged from one to 16 years. The children have an in-house nurse, a teacher and a social worker.
