12 Jul 2021

Debswana Diamond Company recently donated reusable sanitary pads, behavioural awareness books and rechargeable solar lamps to its host communities.

Speaking during the event, which was held in Gaborone, Chief Programmes Officer, Poverty Eradication Unit at the Office of President, Ms Lesego Sepato said the donations would assist in the reduction of household expenses.

She said the savings could in turn be used for other household expenditure such as food.

Ms Sepato expressed gratitude to Debswana for showing empathy to Batswana, especially communities within which it operated.

She noted that the 4 250 rechargeable solar lamps were produced in Botswana by community members for learners, who had no access to electricity.

“This is a milestone, showing innovation and the spirit of self-reliance among Batswana.

It is indeed our responsibility to ensure that women and girls live dignified lives and have access to sanitary amenities,” she said.

Ms Sepato said the COVID-19 pandemic was a serious challenge globally and Botswana had seen the need to be economically self-sustaining due to lockdowns that reduced the importation of goods.

She commended Debswana for being alive to pertinent social issues that remained a challenge to government, adding the 15 000 books, titled: My Body Belongs to Me, were intended to raise awareness on issues of sexual abuse.

Meanwhile, Debswana Acting Managing Director, Ms Lynette Armstrong said the initiative was part of Debswana’s longstanding Corporate Social Investment programme, as well as its recent Building Forever Strategy focusing on the commitment to education, development and youth empowerment.

She said the aim was to assist learners to improve their school performance, take care of their health and bodies, keep them in school so that they can excel in their careers and livelihoods, thus affording the next generation a better foundation.

Ms Armstrong explained that Debswana partnered with Agora Club Botswana in procuring the 4 000 reusable hygienic sanitary pads valued at P608 963, which had been tested and certified safe for use and re-use by the Botswana Bureau of Standards.

She said this was just a stepping stone in the long journey ahead, adding that Agora was Debswana’s implementation partner, responsible for procurement, stakeholder engagement and baseline assessment for distribution of pads.

Ms Armstrong urged recipients, learners and future leaders to take advantage of what they receive and work hard in their studies. ENDS