29 Apr 2019

First Lady Neo Masisi has implored all to embrace the spirit of giving.

Ms Masisi, who was the chief walker at the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) Foundation inaugural charity walk in Moshupa on Saturday, said it was possible if all could begin assisting others at an individual level up to family level.

“Let us continue to embrace the spirit of giving in our daily lives. We should also impart the spirit to our children at their early stages so that they grow up to be great leader,” she said.

The event was held under the theme: Walk to change lives, and was categorised into 15km and 30km walk.

Ms Masisi commended BTC, noting that like other responsible corporate citizens, they advocated for corporate social responsibility. She said other stakeholders were now informed, adding that in the recent advent of the Internet in social media, various stakeholders did not only keep an eye on what was on the ground, but also cared about helping others.

Ms Masisi pointed out that initiatives such as charity walks benefitted communities across Botswana, and that they must be supported not only by the government, but also by the private sector, civil society as well as all participants of the socio-development of the country.

“As a developing country we need all stakeholders to contribute one way or the other in these activities as this is indeed commendable,” she said.

She noted that charity walks were not only for networking purposes, but that they also played a pivotal role in the physical and mental well-being of all participants, emphasising the need for all to participate more in such activities.
 

“This is especially crucial given the fact that there is a surge in non-communicable diseases which pose a financial burden on families and the government,” she said.

Ms Masisi said the worthy causes would not only contribute towards the upliftment of those who were underprivileged and those who had no shelter, but would also contribute to Botswana attaining the sustainable development goal (SDG) three, which speaks about ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages.
 

“As you all know, good health and wellness are basic human rights and necessary condition for the country’s development,” she said.
 

She said she was privileged to have been accorded an opportunity to being part of the inaugural charity walk which was aimed at promoting self-health and voluntarism.

Ms Masisi thanked the BTC management and staff for the noble gesture, and further urged the foundation to continue spreading their footprints in other parts of the country.

“Many of us could have been somewhere else busy with their obligations, but have found it necessary to be present to walk and raise funds for humanitarian causes,” she said.

She encouraged those who could not make it to find time to participate in such activities in the future, particularly the BTC charity walk.

In his welcome remarks, the foundation chairperson, Mr Michael Mothobi said it was appropriate to begin the event in Moshupa, adding that the event would be held in other areas such as Palapye and Francistown in the near future. He advised participants to walk steadily with caution as the event was not about competition.

“This is not a competition. We understand that as human beings, the spirit of competition is embedded in us, please take it easy.

This walk is meant to contribute towards your health and also to the disadvantaged children,” he said. ENDS