Lijeng Ranooe

QUEEN ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s initiatives to improve the lives of orphans and other vulnerable children received a major boost from Avani Lesotho Hotel & Casino who donated M10 000 to the Hlokomela Bana Trust Fund.

Hlokomela Bana Trust Fund was established in the 1980s by the Late Queen Mother, ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso, to provide care and support to vulnerable children in Lesotho.

The organisation works closely with principal chiefs to identify forms of support that can be provided to orphans and/or children with disabilities. Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso runs the organisation after the death of the Queen Mother in 2003.

Speaking at the recent handover ceremony, Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, expressed her gratitude for Avani Lesotho’s generous donation.

“On behalf of the beneficiaries and stakeholders, I would like to convey my gratitude to Avani Lesotho management and the staff who have so generously contributed for the kids,” Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso said.

I know a lot of charities in Lesotho do similar work and seek to improve the livelihoods of our children. I don’t know what criteria you used in choosing us but we are very grateful.

“We look forward to your continued support. I don’t want to say that we’ll come knocking at your door but we try to also have our own activities where we raise funds to make sure whenever we go out we improve the lives of our children.

“We focus on our vulnerable children and children with disabilities in our country. When the trust fund first started; the late Queen Mother’s focus was on disabled children but of late we have noticed a lot of orphans suffering from the HIV pandemic- children who are looking after other children so our work has increased.”

She said the trust fund was committed to assisting those who cared for disadvantaged children, adding they constantly sought ways to meet them halfway and ensure they had food and shelter.

“We go to rural areas and target those hard-to-reach areas and give as much as we can to vulnerable children. We strive to include as many children as possible.”

For his part, Avani Lesotho Gaming Manger, Shaun Nicolson, said they were honoured to assist the trust fund.