Standard Lesotho Bank empowers orphanage

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local communities by donating 300 chicken layers and 100 bags of 50kg feed, valued at M66,740, to St. Cecilia Orphanage in Ha Buasono, Berea. This generous contribution is aimed at helping the orphanage provide for its children and sustain its operations in the long-term.

The handover ceremony was filled with gratitude and praise as community members, government officials, and the bank’s representatives gathered to celebrate the donation. Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, Pitso Lesaoana, expressed his appreciation for SLB’s continued efforts to uplift vulnerable communities, echoing the government’s call for greater corporate involvement in addressing social issues.

“We are pleased to see the private sector, such as Standard Lesotho Bank, stepping up to play a critical role in uplifting communities,” he said during his speech. Lesaoana emphasised the importance of child protection and how contributions like these directly support the ministry’s goals of ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

“This donation will go a long way in helping us protect and care for the children at St. Cecilia,” he added. Teboho Sello, SLB’s Personal Banking Manager, highlighted the bank’s dedication to giving back to society. He said the bank views community support as an integral part of its corporate responsibility.

“As responsible corporate citizens, we believe it is our duty to give back to the communities we serve,” Sello said, adding that the donation of chickens and feed is part of a larger initiative to promote self-sustainability at the orphanage.

He also reflected on the bank’s previous contributions to St. Cecilia, including the donation of a tractor, farming equipment, and a borehole. “We want to ensure that St. Cecilia can feed its children while also becoming more self-sustaining,” he explained.  He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to continuing its support in the future. “This is not a one-time act of generosity. We will keep working with communities across the country to ensure that vulnerable groups are supported.”

Reverend Father Augustine Pule Mahlaku of St. Cecilia Orphanage expressed deep gratitude for the bank’s continued support. “This donation is a blessing. It will help feed our children, and we are deeply thankful to Standard Bank for always being there for us,” he said.  Mahlaku spoke fondly of SLB’s previous contributions, from assisting with farming efforts to improving the orphanage’s infrastructure, highlighting the positive impact these acts of kindness have had on the children’s lives.

Moliehi Morahanye, Manager of SLB’s Berea branch, said the bank’s efforts go beyond donations — they aim to create sustainable solutions for the communities they serve.

“We carefully considered how we could further support St. Cecilia, and we agreed that these chickens would not only provide food for the children but also generate income for the orphanage through the sale of eggs,” she said.

Morahanye underscored the long-term benefits of the donation, which is expected to enhance food security at the orphanage and provide a steady income stream, benefiting the children and the wider community.

In closing, she reaffirmed SLB’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities across Lesotho. “This donation marks another step in our journey to create lasting positive change,” she said.