Rethabile Pitso
STANDARD Lesotho Bank (SLB) staff have donated school supplies and groceries to vulnerable kids at the Save the Children Centre in Maseru.
In his remarks during the handover ceremony on Tuesday, SLB Chief Executive, Mpho Vumbukani, said the money for the goodies, which included text books, school bags, shoes and groceries, was raised by staff members during their “Back To School” fund raising initiative.
“We are a bank that prides itself in giving back to vulnerable communities and to extending a helping hand to the needy because we also part of society and understand the need to grow together,” said Mr Vumbukani at the ceremony which was also attended by Social Development Minister Molahlehi Letlotlo.
“The donations were mainly made by staff members who raised funds through the ‘Back To School’ initiative. The initiative is now in its second year, with members of staff choosing a day to wear school uniforms to motivate and remind pupils about the importance of education.”
Mr Vumbukani said the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives were meant to support government’s developmental goals.
“It is not easy for the government alone to secure shelter for vulnerable children and attend to their needs,” he said.
“We also know that it is not easy for the Save the Children Centre to take care of these children without assistance.
“That is why we are committed, as a bank, to continue extending a helping hand whenever we can. We also appeal to other organisations in the private sector to do their part in the fight against poverty.”
On his part, Mr Letlotlo lauded SLB for the gesture, saying the bank was aware of its responsibility to assist the needy.
“It is a great honour to work with such organisations as Standard Bank that don’t wait to be nudged before they render assistance to vulnerable groups,” the minister said.
