DEBSWANA EMPOWERS VULNERABLE LEARNERS
Debswana Jwaneng Mine recently engaged two local NGOS to donate reusable sanitary pads and solar lamps to about 4000 students from 28 schools from Jwaneng and surrounding villages.
The donation was done under the mining company’s Building Forever Strategy that embodies its intent to promote equitable participation in quality education. Giving remarks during the handover ceremony, Debswana Wellness Coordinator Rosemary Siwela underscored the challenges faced by adolescent school girls undergoing menstruation and how it negatively affects their education. “The problem is double fold in marginalized communities. As we address the menstrual hygiene for our girls, we need to support knowledge and behavioural needs at this critical part of the girl’s life,” said Siwela, adding that It can be a traumatic experience perpetuated by socio-economic status, being teased at school and sometimes cultural beliefs at home. Siwela proudly stated that, the diamond company sought out local service providers with innovative solutions such as Agora Club Botswana and Now for Them Trust in an endeavour to make a lasting legacy and maximise benefits to communities near the Mine. She said development of community initiatives take cognisance of the company’s ideals such as sustainability as evidenced by the products donated. Speaking on behalf of Chosen Pads, the founder of the charitable organization, Malebogo MadigeleLetsake said that irrespective of them being a small local organization, they manufacture reusable and washable sanitary pads using high-quality material and that is why she believes highly reputable organizations such as Debswana engaged them when conducting such a community focused project.
Kaone Tsimanyane, President of Now for Them Trust said, “their trust started donating solar lamps to scholars without access to electricity through a 100 km walk since 2017 and the support from Debswana has enabled the Now for Them Trust to be the first and possibly still the only NGO in renewable energy to lead in assembling and donating internationally recognized solar lamps. She concluded by stating that through this project, Now for Them, together with Debswana both strive to see scholars in rural areas have access to light.
Also speaking at the event, District Officer Development for Jwaneng Chenisane Thomba praised Debswana Jwaneng Mine for developing initiatives that are focused on improving education around Jwaneng. She said the Mine has also designed an educational initiative called Girleng, which raises awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers to girls at an early age. “This auspicious occasion of handing over about 4000 eco-friendly products to 28 schools in our districts is a continuation of the good work that Debswana Jwaneng Mine does to promote education in the region,” said Thomba. To ensure beneficiaries get the best out the products given to them, the day was also combined with capacity building for Guidance and Counselling Teachers to equip them with the usage, care and maintenance of the products.