Vodacom injects M300 000 into blind centre to boost inclusive education
Foundation pledges further M900 000 over three years to support St Bernadette’s mission
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – Vodacom Lesotho Foundation (VLF) has donated M300 000 to the St Bernadette Resource Centre for the Blind (RCB) in what has proved a significant boost to inclusive education – reinforcing a multi-year partnership aimed at ensuring no child is left behind.
The official hand-over ceremony, held at the Centre this past Wednesday, marks the latest phase of support initiated in 2022. The investment is a direct response to the Centre’s critical operational challenges, which have been exacerbated by the economic aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the event, Tšepo Ntaopane, Head of the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, articulated a powerful vision for the nation’s children.
“Our vision is to see every Mosotho child, particularly those with disabilities, receive an education to realise their true potential,” Ntaopane stated.
He urged parents of disabled children to embrace educational opportunities and challenged other businesses to join the cause, reaffirming Vodacom’s commitment to developing accessible products and increasing the number of disabled employees.
The Principal of the Centre, ‘Mamoliehi Tamako, outlined its comprehensive model, which provides Braille instruction aligned with the national curriculum, alongside essential life skills, rehabilitation, and mobility training for visually impaired students aged six to eighteen.
The donation was met with profound gratitude. Seeiso Motsamai, a current learner, described the investment as “breathing hope into the students’ futures.”
Zwelithini Cekwane, Chairperson of the Centre’s board, affirmed that the partnership with Vodacom has been crucial in charting a sustainable course for the institution.
The government also welcomed the contribution. Ratšiu Majara, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring accessible, quality education for all. He noted that Vodacom’s support complements government efforts, which include annual subventions and a national strategy to develop more resource centres.
Despite a track record of success – with over 20 alumni progressing to tertiary education and its students excelling in regional sports – the centre faces persistent challenges like overcrowding, a lack of sports facilities, and dilapidated classrooms.
In a commitment to lasting change, the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has pledged an additional M900 000 over the next three years, signalling a strategic intent to scale proven models of inclusive education and deliver lasting social impact throughout Lesotho.
