07 Jun 2015

A Francistown-based non-profitable organization known as Friends Like This Social Club, has heeded the government’s call to assist in the eradication of poverty with particular focus on orphans and needy children.

Speaking in an interview, the founder of the club, Mr Brighten Vinte said the motive behind the formation of her club lied not only in assisting the government to achieve one of the Vision 2016’s pillar of being a compassionate, just and caring nation, but also as a sympathetic and empathetic gesture towards orphans.

He said the club comprised 12 active members who graduated with Diplomas in Health and Safety management, and Purchasing and Supply, as well as Degrees in Information and Technology. 

The projects that the club has undertaken since its inception include a Christmas party for 72 orphans at the House of Hope in Palapye in 2013; the donation of 31 school shoes to children at Busang Memorial School in Tsetsebjwe; and the hosting of a Christmas party for 85 orphans of Zanicheli Day Care Center in D’kar in the Ghanzi district. 

The founder said that, like any other organisation, Friends Like This Social Club had its own fair share of challenges. 

“The problem is that most of us are unemployed and finding a permanent job is quite difficult. Despite the challenges, we try by all means to fund our club,” he said. 

The club’s public relations officer, Mr Thuso Ramaretha said they got financial aid from friends, family and the public due to the difficulty in getting sponsorship and support from companies. 

Despite these challenges, Friends Like This Social Club continues to stop at nothing to give back to the community.

Mr Ramaretha noted that projects planned for the year 2015 included the back-to-school project at Mothamo Junior School in Moiyabana in June, a renovation project at Realeboga Association for children living with disability in July, an education tour project for orphans of House of Hope Trust in August and lastly a Christmas party at Kasane in November.

Mr Brighten pleaded with the public at large to support them either financially or materially by donating used or new clothes and school uniforms, shoes, stationary, blankets, toiletry, food, a camera, club merchandise and transport, as well as by just interacting with them. ENDS