Stanbic donates P120 000 towards the vulnerable
Staff Writer | Monday June 15, 2015 15:34
The P120,000.00 donation will further enable the provision of community-based care for children and youth. The programme is delivered through the Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCCODOL) and comprises of formal training for care givers, equipping them to care for and protect vulnerable and orphaned children.
REPSSI the Regional Psychosocial Initiative is a technical partner to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and strives to enhance access to psychosocial support for children. This is done through the provision of technical support, including the development of high quality resources, for mainstreaming of psychosocial support into all programmes that support children, youth, families and communities.
Said Stanbic Bank Botswana acting head of Personal & Business Banking, Louis Van Ravestyen, “Statistics on how many children are orphaned due to epidemics such as HIV/AIDS and TB continue to paint a dismal picture.
‘‘ More often than not, it is up to the older siblings or well-intentioned community caregivers to look after these orphaned children. We want to support them in this noble cause in any way that we can, and help ensure that our children, all of our children, feel nurtured, empowered and protected.”
“The Community Base Work with Children and Youth (CBWCY) certificate is a practical and empowering training programme enhancing social and emotional support, child protection and the promotion of children’s rights. The programme helps to ensure that the vulnerable populations receive professional care and support. This quality training promotes child and youth development,”he added
Said Mr Lehlohonolo Chabeli, head of social business development at REPSSI,noted that “There is great opportunity to provide support for children in communities, and we are grateful to Stanbic Bank for allowing us the necessary funding to help make a difference here.”Few of the community caregivers have ever received formal training in psychosocial support to effectively care for children. Stanbic Bank’s contribution will cover the crucial mentor training, fees and communication for each student, as well as course materials and training in REPSSI tools.
“The first 10 youth we sponsored in 2012 graduated as part of a cohort of 53 youth last year, and we are now starting to see the real impact their training has had on those around them. We are humbled to once again sponsor REPSSI in the incredible work they are doing and see this impact grow,” concluded Ruth Lorato Modisane, Stanbic Bank public Relations Manager.