Nthatuoa Koeshe
HER Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso this week received M23 500 on behalf of Hlokomela Bana Trust Fund from Avani Hotels, Botho University and Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA).
Botho University donated M3500 while LHDA and Avani each donated M10 000.
Avani Human Resources Manager and Head of the Corporate Social Investment division, Lesekelo Makara told guests that they started the initiative three years ago when they were thinking of ways of celebrating Her Majesty’s birthday.
He said they decided to host celebrations where women would pride themselves in Seshoeshoe dresses on realisation that Her Majesty is proud of Seshoeshoe designs.
“We decided to host a ceremony where the Seshoeshoe dress is the centrestage and also have a competition around it,” Mr Makara said.
He said the event has helped Avani Hotels become cultural icons and custodians.
“The funds generated from this year’s event held in June were contributed by LHDA, Botho University and Avani Hotels and we decided to hand over the money to Her Majesty on behalf of the Hlokomela Bana Trust Fund,” he said
Mr Makara expressed gratitude to Her Majesty and Hlokomela Trust Fund for alleviating poverty.
For her part, Her Majesty also expressed gratitude for the dedication showed in helping the growth of the fund. She also said she was thankful that among several other organisations which work tirelessly to help children who are in need, Hlokomela Bana was chosen.
“There are many others organisation that work to ensure that children grow well and get the help they need but Hlokomela Bana was chosen as the beneficiary on the realisation of its dedication,” she said.
On behalf of Botho University, Mankhole Thakhisi said they saw it fitting to help the Hlokomela Bana initiative. She said the institution stood ready to assit Hlokomela Bana whenever the need arose.
“We should now start working on next year’s celebrations so that we make it bigger and better to ensure that the fund grows,” Ms Thakhisi said.
She added that it was vital to help underprivileged children because they have future leaders among their ranks.
LHDA’s Katleho Noosi said her company was eager to help when it comes to young people.
“We hope that this challenges other companies to take part so that this foundation grows for the better,” Ms Noosi said.
