16 Sep 2014

Legodimo Youth Training, which is a division of Camphill Community Trust, has honoured the late Lady Olebile Masire. 


The youth training institute honoured the departed former first lady on September 12, by naming their new boarding facility which will accommodate eight boys and eight girls, after her in a ceremony attended by former president, Sir Ketumile Masire.


Speaking at the event, Sir Ketumile commended the training institute for honouring his wife, who was a long time board member of Camphill Community Trust.
“I am humbled by your appreciation to my late wife,” Sir Ketumile said.


He added that Mma Gaone, as she was affectionately known, was a dedicated trustee of the Camphill Community Trust saying, 
“by naming this hostel after her, you lay a foundation that the future generation will learn from her,” he said.


Furthermore, Sir Ketumile commended Camphill Community Trust for providing quality education and skills to people with disabilities.


He said their services, which cut across the Camphill Community Trust division of Motse wa Badiri, Rankoromane and Legodimo were unique as they targeted the sector of the economy which had been neglected.
 He said graduates from the divisions were equipped with skill and experience.


“All these represent a well-oiled operation system that ideally should be emulated by other institutions including the government,” he added.
 The former president said despite calls not to discriminate, people living with disabilities were internationally regarded as second class citizens.


For her part, Legodimo project coordinator, Ms Motsei Lesetedi said Mma-Gaone was a long time board member of the trust and was a mother figure to the community trust.


She said upon building the hostels, they found it necessary to name them after Mma-Gaone owing to her contributions.
 Ms Lesetedi noted that they consulted with the Balete chieftainship to name the boarding facilities after Mma Gaone.


She said as a non-government organisation they were faced with shortage of funds and further noted that their students were in dire need of accommodation.


He said the hostels were built from the trust own funds and appealled to private enterprises to assist them.


Camphill Community Trust, which Motse wa Badiri, Legodimo and Rankoromane provide special training and skills development to people with disabilities. Ends