Debswana has handed over a minibus to boost mobility for blind people and their teachers at a centre in Botswana.
Debswana has handed over a minibus to boost mobility for blind people and their teachers at a centre in Botswana.
Balisi Bonyongo hands over the keys to the bus to Richard Letsatsi, watched by Unity Dow.
The 25-seater bus, worth P490,000 (US$46,280), was donated to the Pudulogong Rehabilitation and Development Trust for the Blind in Mochudi. It was funded by the company’s corporate social investment programme, which seeks to plough money back into the community.
Trust Chairman Richard Letsatsi thanked Debswana and told local media that transport was one of the biggest challenges the Trust faced. It had been in need of transport for more than three years, previously getting by with a small car. He said he had been praying for a minibus.
Unity Dow, Botswana’s Minister of Basic Education, applauded Debswana for its commitment to giving back to the community.
Balisi Bonyongo, Debswana’s Managing Director, told guests at the handover ceremony that he couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the new year than by making this presentation.
He said: “Through this donation, we believe Pudulogong will be able to increase their mobility and presence, ensuring that they carry out community outreach programmes throughout the country to educate people about their service and their cause.”
He said the donation was inspired by the Debswana value of ‘Show we care’, adding that it was an example of the company’s efforts to change the lives of people.
The centre, which was started in 1982, caters for up to 64 blind and visually impaired students aged from 16 to 35. Training covers such areas as Braille, word processing, getting about and daily living as well as vocational training in secretarial studies, computer operation, business studies, agriculture and music.