…donates school shoes to five high schools in Mafeteng

Moroke Sekoboto

THE National Drug Services Organisation (NDSO) has donated 150 pairs of school shoes worth M250 000 to underprivileged pupils from five high schools in Mafeteng.

The handover ceremony took place on Friday, benefitting learners from King’s Gate High School, ’Masentle High School, Bereng High School, Matsepe High School, and Johnson Baker High School.

Speaking at the event held at the company’s warehouse in Mafeteng, NDSO General Manager Matebele Sefali, said the donation formed part of the organisation’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.

He said it was not the first time NDSO had given back to the community, stressing the company’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves.

“We are mandated to promote the health of the people of Lesotho by developing, implementing, and maintaining reliable systems for the procurement, storage, and distribution of quality health sector goods for all health facilities in the country. But as part of our CSI, we saw the need to assist where we could,” Mr Sefali said.

“It is winter, and we know that shoes are a basic necessity. We asked teachers to identify vulnerable students so we could assist. This is not the first time we have made such donations, and it certainly will not be the last. We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. While we wish we could do more, we will continue to give back as we grow.”

’Mamakoatja Ramakhula, from the District Education Office, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NDSO for the donation. She said the support would positively impact the students, enabling them to be more comfortable and focused on their education. She also encouraged the recipients to take good care of the shoes.

“We are grateful to NDSO and congratulate the students who were selected. The donation comes at a crucial time, as many parents are already burdened with school and exam fees. Now, at least, they won’t have to worry about shoes,” Ms Ramakhula said.

Mafeteng District Administrator, Bonang Moranye, also thanked NDSO and congratulated the beneficiaries. He encouraged the students to show appreciation by performing well in their studies.

“We are very thankful to NDSO, and we are truly happy for the students. This is especially touching because many of them come from vulnerable families,” Mr Moranye said.

The Mafeteng Chieftainess, ’Maletšabisa Seeiso, urged students to stay away from gangsterism and school absenteeism, and to remain committed to their education.