08 Oct 2013

The Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe has hailed Orange Botswana and its mother body, Orange Group for their contributions.

The duo was commended for being in the forefront of recognising early childhood development for children leaving with disability during a Daycare Centre handing over in Mahalapye recently.

Dr Kedikilwe, who is a patron for the Central Association of the Blind and Disabled, said the donation came at an opportune time as the majority of organisations were reeling under financial hurdles which frustrated their plans.

He said the first three years of a child’s life were critical, saying according to World Health Organisation (WHO), these years were characterised by rapid continuous development of the brain, and therefore, providing the essential building blocks for future growth, development and progress. He said Orange had contributed immensely to their access to education and helped in preparing them for better livelihood at adult stage.

The company donated P480 000 and 20 000 Euros for the construction of a more habitable and nurturing building for children living with disability. The structure consists a class room, educational and health equipment, together with mind stimulating items such as toys, games, computers and television sets.

Dr Kedikilwe also applauded Orange Botswana Foundation for dedicating over P1.5 million annually for community projects on different aspects including health, education, culture, women empowerment and solidarity. He further said the company has been sponsoring the Botswana Examinations Council Excellency awards for students with special needs since 2010.

Dr Kedikilwe urged other private companies to spare financial and capacity resources to contribute to areas that need attention in order to advance the economy and social status of local communities.

For her part, Orange Botswana CEO, Ms Elizabeth Badang said their aim was to contribute to sustainable development for communities in which they operated by forming partnerships with relevant stakeholders to address social needs.

Ms Badang said building of the day care centre was a way of contributing to the development of the children living with disability in that it created equal opportunities for them as a step forward to social inclusion. Ms Badang requested parents and caregivers to also create an environment that would allow for people living with disability to fully develop and be self dependent.

She urged that they be equipped for success regardless of their predicament. Ms Badang was accompanied by the secretary general of Orange Foundation, Ms Mireille Le Van.