In the early hours of Saturday 27 August, Mascom took to the streets of Francistown for the 4th edition of the Batanani Charity Walk, turning the second city’s streets bright yellow.
The donations and registration fees have since been added up, with the grand total reaching P183, 090. On Friday, the mobile giant’s handed over a cheque for this amount to this year’s recipients, the Francistown Centre for the Deaf.
Giving some background on the Batanani movement, Mascom Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Boipelo Matenge explained the event is designed to raise funds for worthy causes in Francistown.
“The walk has stood the test of time; we will continue to give back to Francistown through this noble initiative,” she declared.
“This year we walked to support the deaf and sensitize Batswana on key issues affecting the deaf and hard of hearing. When we launched this year’s theme, it became clear that the majority of us, including myself and the Mascom family, have limited to no knowledge about the deaf community and how to interact with them,” stated Matenge, speaking at Friday’s handing-over ceremony.
“I cannot imagine how limiting it is to live and be a part of a community that you cannot fully express yourself too daily. This is why centers like Francistown Centre for the Deaf are important,” she added.
Matenge further noted that the Mascom Batanani Walk is living proof of just what can be achieved when people come together with honest intentions for a good cause.
“You can leave a memorable and meaningful footprint in the lives of those who need it!” she concluded.
Speaking on behalf of the Centre, School Head, Baleti Tlhalerwa praised Mascom for their kindness, noting this was a day the children and the school would never forget.
“This donation will go a long way to helping shape the future of our learners,” she said.
The school currently has an enrollment of 80 students, 76 of whom reside at the institute’s boarding facilities.
“As Mascom has gifted us today, we will be able to cover some things that our children are in need of,” revealed a grateful Tlhalerwa, the school’s well-behaved children sitting attentively as she spoke.