Ministry of Hope founder Mamonyane Mohale recieves goodies from Maseru Mall Centre Manager Baholo Chimombe and G4S employees who had accompanied him
…as Maseru Mall, Ackermans reach out to Ministry of Hope Children’s Home
Mohalenyane Phakela
Maseru Mall on Tuesday this week teamed-up with apparel chain-store Ackermans and donated groceries, uniforms and a cake to the Ministry of Hope Children’s Home.
Situated in Katlehong just a stone’s throw away from Maseru Mall, the shelter is currently home to 21 children under the age of 15 years and was established in December 2009.
The children, who are brought to the centre by the Department of Social Welfare, are released to their relatives once they reach the age of 18 years, but continue receiving donations from the sanctuary.
When handing over the goodies, Maseru Mall Centre Manager, Baholo Chimombe, said the cake was part of belated celebrations marking King Letsie III’s 52nd birthday. His Majesty turned 52 on 17 July, with different organisations marking the occasion through various activities.
“We celebrated His Majesty’s birthday on the 17th of July so we thought it ideal to remember our neighbours and not eat the cake alone. That is why we decided to bring it to you today.
“We know this is not much but just wanted to share the little we have with you and let you know that this is just the beginning of more partnerships to come,” he said.
Mamonyane Mohale, who co-founded the Home alongside Nancy Dimmock of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, expressed gratitude for the donation.
“On behalf of the Home, I would like to say thank you to Maseru Mall and Ackermans for blessing us today. We realise that you did not take discarded clothing from your closets but went out of your way to get these kids proper uniforms. This shows you appreciate that you make money from us, ordinary people, hence you decided to return the favour.”
Mohale further narrated some of the challenges the Home faces in its daily operations.
“It is sometimes difficult to deal with some of the children who come to this Home older and full of mischief. We also have challenges of funding to keep this Home going.
“We normally get donations from American churches, local stores and individuals, but the challenge we face is they only think of the children and not the caretakers’ salaries.
“We are also worried as these premises were only leased to us by the government until 15 August 2015, so we are wondering what will happen afterwards.”
