21/05/2026
MERCY HAND FOUNDATION TRUST INVESTS IN FUTURE LEADERS
MOSHUPA - An American singer, actress, author and businesswoman, Marie Osmond's expression, "Being of service to others is what brings true happiness," remain relevant even to this day. On the other hand, young generations are described as future leaders. It is against this backdrop that Mercy Hand Foundation Trust today (May 21) invested in future leaders' education by donating 20 pairs of school shoes, four spectacles and 100 packets of sanitary pads to Mmanaana Junior Secondary School unprivileged learners.
In a keynote message, Former First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, Ms Neo Masisi said "we are aware that our generation is ever-increasing in ill-mental health issues, depression and high levels of stress, and through a noble gesture by Mercy Hand Foundation Trust alongside its sponsors, Vision Optical Centre and CB Stores, we can confidently say that a lot of parents have been relieved of some of their worries."
The Former First Lady applauded the foundation for its mission aimed at promoting the rights, needs and welfare of the less privileged population through advocacy, education, care, support and community mobilization throughout Botswana, acknowledging it for its vision to help Botswana to be a country where the rights of the less privileged were fully met.
"It is my sincere and personal wish that the business community should see the value of this donation and be encouraged to continue supporting it in future. By offering themselves up to donate and sponsor, this will go a long way in ensuring that the nation is cared for and that high performance may be unearthed as a result," she said.
She underscored that "education is indeed the key to unlocking all our dream doors, sucesses and wishes. You are our future leaders, we trust that you will also grow in the spirit of giving and share the little you have with others who may need it. Let us receive gifts in gladness."
The Former First Lady congratulated those who received donations, and once again relay her non-ending gratitude to the sponsors.
On overview of the project, Mercy Hand Foundation Trust director, Mr Kabelo Rampe noted that "the relationship between the foundation and school started some years back," highlighting that "it is important to remember people in need when you are blessed." Mr Rampe said that his Foundation was compelled by its mission and vision to help those in need. He thanked the educational institution's guidance and counselling department for its sterling work in ensuring that the unprivileged learners got assistance.
School management expressed that it was a great joy and humility to witness the donation, adding that it was a demonstration of compassion as it brought a message of hope to the unprivileged learners. "We welcome this noble gesture and want to see it in many years to come," the school management highlighted, saying "we have a mission and vision to achieve."
On challenges facing the school, the management emphasised that the educational institution lacked classrooms and laboratories to accommodate learners, and sport facilities for sport preparations. "Furthermore, the school lacks access to internet due to vandalism," the management said. "Students who commute from Lotlhakane West, Tshwaane and Ralekgetho villages failed to attend weekend classes," the school management revealed.
Student Representative Council secretary general, Lorraine Stegling praised the foundation for the noble gesture, imploring it to continue soldiering on with helping students in this country.
Poet Gaofenngwe Sebolao and school choir graced the event with poetry and music.
