17 Mar 2015

Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM) recently donated school uniform to 120 pupils of Supang Primary School at Letlhakane.


Speaking at the donation ceremony, senior ore processing manager, Mr Edwin Elias, said through their corporate social investment programme (CSI), they were committed to lend a helping hand to improve the welfare of vulnerable members of the society.


Mr Elias said CIS programme was established in2006 replacing then the Debswana Donations Fund to build and maintain sustainable partnership so that the community could benefit from the legacy of diamonds, emphasising that the programme aimed at attaining employees partnership with the community.


He highlighted that the child’s education did not lie with the government or parents alone hence OLDM chose to strengthen stakeholder participation in education, adding that the initiative would shape the future of Botswana through direct delivery of benefits to the 120 pupils.


Mr Elias said every child has the right to have their basic needs met including school uniform which was a social priority, saying that the uniforms would be important to the students in restoring some sense of belonging and dignity.


He said OLDM had previously helped some Boteti schools such as the refurbishment of Orapa Community Junior Secondary School design and technology laboratory at the tune of P264,400.00,electrification of Kedia Primary School and the upgrading of ICT at Letlhakane Senior Secondary School to the tune of P200.000.


Furthermore Mr Elias said OLDM through CSI programme intended to invest P3.2 million into more sustainable projects in Boteti.
Member of Parliament for Boteti East Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe acknowledged OLDM for their generosity towards Supang Primary School students, adding that OLDM was to make a difference in the lives of Batswana and urged other companies to emulate it.


For her part,school head for Supang Primary school Mrs Mercy Bayani showed gratitude to OLDM for their donation to her students as it would motivate them to do well in their studies.
She said cooperation between her school and OLDM had been good as the mine had previously built a classroom block for the school and the mine also donated photocopying machine and papers for the students. ENDS