White Cane Handover: “Our profound thanks to Limkokwing for remembering us during trying times of the covid-19 pandemic.”
As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives Limkokwing University Lesotho donated thirty-three white canes to visually impaired students at St. Catherine’s High School.
Present at the handover ceremony were the Minister of Social Development, Honorable ‘Matebatso Doti; Deputy Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mahlapane Makakole-Boliba; the media fraternity; Limkokwing University Campus Management; St. Catherine’s High School Management and its thirty-five student representatives.
In her opening remarks, The Deputy Principal Secretary Mrs. Mahlapane indicated that Limkokwing University cares for Basotho as it has collaborated with the ministry for donations to the less fortunate on more than one occasion in 2020. She further stated that it gives her great joy that on this occasion visually impaired students were fortunate to be on The Limkokwing University managements mind.
“Limkokwing University has held our hand as a ministry very warmly this year. The university has on multiple occasions collaborated with us to make the lives of the less fortunate Basotho easier especially during this year were we are facing a worldwide pandemic known as Covid-19.” she stated.
Mr. Moroka Hoohlo, Limkokwing University’s registrar mentioned that the initiative was made possible by the Heal the World Foundation curated by the Founding President of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Limkokwing. He further educated the attendees of the event that it is through the foundation that Tan Sri Limkokwing strives to instill upon its staff and students to care for the less privileged or orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide.
“It is further a delight for us to still be able to extend a helping hand during these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Honorable Minister of Social Development, as you may know, assisting the government of Lesotho with improving its human capital is surely one of Limkokwing University’s greatest priorities. These white canes are therefore meant to improve the livelihood of their beneficiaries to ease their commute and movement on and around their surroundings,” Mr. Hoohlo stated.
Motšetšero Motšetšero, one of the beneficiaries and student at St. Catherine’s High School communicated his gratitude in front of the masses gathered, on behalf of his colleagues.
”I would like to give thanks to Limkokwing University and the Ministry of Social Development for remembering us during these trying times of the covid-19 pandemic. This is a period where we as a community of Basotho, especially the disabled community have been advised not to carelessly touch surfaces we pass by because those harbor a lot of germs which spread the covid-19 virus. This had become a challenge because as a visually impaired individual, I depend on my hands primarily to navigate my space. This donation will indeed bring about great improvement in the way in which I carry out my daily tasks for my newly acquired cane will be an extension on my eyes,” said Motšetšero.
Reverend Atwell Xana, the principal of St. Catherine’s High School indicated immense delight when receiving the white canes. He assured his students that not only will the white canes enable them to navigate their environments with ease but will also enable the general public to identify them especially in a period of need.
“We are eternally grateful for this gesture extended by Limkokwing University today. Throughout the years, we often sponsor everything we need. It is a delight to realize that there are some members of our society who realized that we could use a helping hand to make the lives of our students easier. Fellow students, these white canes are your badge of honor. You must ensure that you carry them with you at all times not only for your ease of navigation but also for ease of identification by the public at large,” said Rev. Xana.
Honorable ‘Matebatso Doti, challenged the high scholars to excel in their high school examinations so that they can further their education with Limkokwing University because she wants to see them grow and become innovative leaders in their communities.
“I am elated to be working with Limkokwing University once again. We have embarked on several projects together before and during this devastating period of covid-19. I have been especially moved and more grateful since learning that the university would this time want to lend a helping hand to the disabled and disadvantaged students of St. Catherine’s High School. At this juncture, I want to challenge you students to excel in your Form E final year examinations so that you can further your higher education with this prestigious University,” expressed Honorable Doti.