Times Of Swaziland: LIHLE LEMASWATI  MAKES KIDS SMILE

LIHLE LEMASWATI  MAKES KIDS SMILE
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BY SUNDAY REPORTER on 19/10/2014 09:42:00


NKWENE - Lihle LeMaswati Foundation continues to be a symbol of hope for many
destitute Swazi children.
The foundation has built a preschool at Buseleni area under the Nkwene
Inkhundla.
The preschool structure, which comprises of a classroom, kitchen and storeroom
was officially handed over to the Buseleni community by the Foundation’s
patron, Prince Lindani, on Wednesday, October 8, 2014.
Present during the launch was Dr Phineas Magagula, the Minister of Education and
Training who was accompanied by the Director of Education, Sibongile Mntshali,
Shiselweni REO, Schools Inspectors and other government officials.
Also in attendance were Themba Masuku, the Shiselweni Regional Administrator,
Busisiwe Simelane, Macmillan Swaziland Managing Director, Daniel Tsai, the
Taiwan Fund for Children and Families Director and Chief Makhosikhosi Khumalo.
Addressing the audience which included parents and pupils of the preschool,
pupils from three local schools and local community members, Prince Lindani
conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty, King Mswati III for his
vision to see every Swazi living a better life by the year 2022.
“It is against this background that Lihle LeMaswati Foundation took the
initiative to support the preschool by building this structure to ensure that
the learning environment was conducive.” said the prince.
He thanked the King for allowing him to be part of a noble initiative of
improving the lives of disadvantaged children and the elderly.
Previously, lessons were conducted under a tree.
The children were also served with cold meals.
Prince Lindani advised the pupils to remain in school and be committed to their
schoolwork. He warned pupils to stay away from substance and alcohol abuse.
He encouraged the youth to participate in the annual cultural ceremonies such as
Umhlanga and Lusekwane as these national activities instil a sense of self-worth
and self-control.
The prince also announced the name of the preschool as Litsemba Leftu.
He also donated E10 000 to the preschool.
He commended the Ministry of Education and Training, the Taiwan Fund for
Children and Families (TFCF), Macmillan Swaziland and other sponsors for
supporting the project.
Dr Phineas Magagula expressed government’s gratitude to Lihle LeMaswati
Foundation for assisting the ministry in its mandate to provide accessible and
quality education.
The ministry donated furniture, namely 25 tables and 100 chairs, learning
material and toys to the 85 learners of the preschool.
The Ministry of Education also pledged a qualified teacher for the preschool.
Busisiswe Simelane announced a sponsorship of E85 000 in the form of books and
other learning material.
Part of the material was presented during the event. The rest of the sponsorship
would run from 2015 and beyond.
TFCF provided a borehole worth E80 000.
TFCF Director Tsai revealed a sponsorship of foodstuff worth about E3 000 per
month to the preschool.
Board of Trustees member Refiloe Mamogobo stated that the foundation’s
activities included a school bursary programme and building houses for
child-headed families and the elderly. Mamogobo declared: “Over the past few
years, the foundation has built more than 10 houses. This year alone, the
foundation is paying school fees for 34 pupils across the country.”
She mentioned that Lihle LeMaswati continued to receive numerous requests for
assistance yet resources were not enough to cater for everyone.
She then implored individuals and companies to support the foundation by
donating in monetary form or in kind.
Prince Lindani, assisted by the Minister of Education and Training and other
dignatories launched the use of the borehole.