The Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Trust has reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) through education, with a donation of P150,000 to Delta Waters International School’s OVC Scholarship Programme, this past Friday in Maun.
Speaking during the ceremony, BIHL Trust Trustee, Samson Setumo, highlighted the life-changing impact of education for disadvantaged learners. “Every child deserves a chance to build a future for themselves. Yet too often financial challenges or personal hardships can stand in the way. That is why this partnership matters. It says to you, my dearest learners, it says to you, we see you. It says to you, you are valued. It says to you, like one football team says, you are not alone and you will never walk alone,” he said.
The donation forms part of an ongoing programme that began in 2022. Currently, seven students are benefitting from scholarships enabling them to access quality English-medium education at Delta Waters. With this year’s contribution, BIHL Trust’s total support for the programme has reached P450,000.
Setumo emphasized that the Trust’s investment goes beyond financial assistance, it represents hope and belief in the learners’ potential. “To the students, your journey inspires us at BIHL. Your resilience, your drive and your potential are why we are here. We believe in you. And we want you to believe in yourselves,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to the teachers, staff, parents, and guardians who play an integral role in guiding the children’s education and personal development. “Your guidance, your encouragement make all the difference,” he said.
Encouraging learners to remain focused on their future, Setumo urged them to resist distractions such as alcohol and drugs, warning against allowing their dreams to be stolen by “useless things.” Instead, he motivated them to visualize and pursue their ambitions. “See that beautiful house you want to build, that nice car you want to drive. Keep your eyes on the ball and you will never walk alone. We will always walk with you,” he told the learners.
In his closing remarks, Setumo likened the donation to planting a seed with far-reaching impact. “What we are doing today, we are putting a seed under the ground. And the impact of this seed will be felt for so many years to come. Because this seed will grow into a forest, and it will grow into a fire that burns throughout the country. Who knows, today a future president might be sitting amongst us,” he said.
Founded in 2007, the BIHL Trust is the corporate social investment (CSI) arm of the Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited group, funded through 1% of after-tax profits from its subsidiaries, Botswana Life and Botswana Insurance Fund Management (BIFM). Its mandate is to support community initiatives that alleviate poverty and empower citizens.
In addition to Delta Waters International School, BIHL Trust has a longstanding partnership with Maru-a-Pula School, donating P250,000 annually for over 10 years to support its OVC scholarship programme.
Through such partnerships, the Trust continues to open doors of opportunity for Botswana’s most vulnerable children, ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of education and future success.
