Std Lesotho Bank donates Layers to Orphanage

Berea- In its ongoing corporate social responsibility, Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) has donated three-hundred (300) layers to St. Cecilia orphanage at Berea earlier this week. The bank donated 300 chickens along with 100 bags of food weighing 50Kg, valued at Sixty -Six thousand seven hundred and forty maloti. 

Speaking at the event, SLB Manager, Personal Banking , Teboho Sello reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to giving back to the community and promoting their progress and well-being, “Lesotho is our home, and it is important that we see Basotho grow and succeed, we consider SLB as a responsible citizen.”

Sello highlighted that this is not for the first time SLB has supported the orphanage. Adding that in the past they have donated a tractor, farming equipment, and borehole to help the orphanage to become more self-sustainable. 

“This is part of our broader mission to give back to the communities across the country to help alleviate poverty and hardships among Basotho,” he explained.

Pastor Mahlaku speaking on behalf of the orphanage expressed excitement, he said
SLB has been their pillar, listing that they have assisted in major development projects such as (house building, tractor, borehole,) and now they have brought layers. He said the eggs will either be used for household consumption and also be sold to the community, Mahlaku stated that the home has 50 orphans from each district in the country , monitored by 22 workers and caretakers.

Among those in attendance were the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) member of parliament for the Berea Constituency, Voeswa Ntsekhe, the Minister of Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, The District Administrator, and members of the community.

Delivering his speech, Minister of Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana said the ministry is committed to child protection and social assistance, noting that the ministry work is grounded in the Child Protection Act of 2011.

He said the Ministry provides support to vulnerable children, including those in need of guardians through alternative care, adoption, and temporary foster care. 

He also pointed out that his department collaborates with various government and independent agencies on child-related matters, such as the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU) and the department of Home Affairs.

Lesaoana acknowledged the partnership with St. Cecilia and expressed gratitude to SLB for donating layers to the orphanage, “although the donation is not the first time, the donation will teach children valuable life skills , such as caring for the chickens, feeding them , collecting and cleaning the eggs.”

He urged children to take good care of chickens , emphasising that they will benefit both the orphanage and the community, potentially helping grow the country’s economy as some might even start small businesses using eggs from the orphanage.

The Minister concluded by thanking SLB, stressing that the government cannot handle all responsibilities alone and encouraged others to follow SLB’s example in helping those in need.