The FNBB Foundation recently handed over a layer chicken project worth P77 000 to Polokong Elderly Care Centre, a non-profitable organisation dedicated to improving lives of disadvantaged elderly individuals in Maun.
The P77 000 amount included the purchasing of 100 layer chickens, a chicken coop, chicken feeds and medications that will last up to six months.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, FNB Foundation Regional Coordinator South, Chebukane Nkobodo said the donation was different and somewhat special as they were donating to the elderly. She said this on its own is a rare gesture as not many do support the elderly in the country.
Nkobodo noted that it is their hope for the relationship between them and Polokong Elderly Care Centre to grow and also for the centre itself to grow. She indicated that this growth will help and benefit other elderly who will join the centre years to come.
For his part, FNBB Maun Branch Manager Koketso Lekono indicated that they have also donated old furniture to the centre when the bank relocated from New Mall. The furniture included 5 couches, 16 office chairs, 7 outdoor chairs and cabinets.
Lekono said the aim is to encourage the centre to grow and have a small garden where the chickens manure will be used to fertilise their crops. FNBB also pledged purchase the eggs produced for the coming six months while also looking for other potential buyers to keep the project running.
Receiving the donation, the Director for Polokong Elderly Care Centre Beauty Bagwasi said FND Foundation’s commitment to Social responsibility and community development is admirable and quite evident through the impactful project.
She said the chicken project represents not only a source of food and income but also a platform for building capacity and fostering independence among the elderly beneficiaries.
Bogwasi further noted that the project will play a vital role in their mission to provide for and uplift the vulnerable members of the society, ensuring that they live in dignity and comfort. The director further stated that they are looking forward to the project’s full potential and seeing its benefits spread throughout the wellbeing of centre.
The event was graced by the Batawana Paramount Chief Tawana Moremi II who is also the Patron of the Polokong Elderly Care Centre. Kgosi Tawana said he has realised how most elderly people are not doing so well with some left alone without caretakers, and food while others are even left with young children to take care of. He however expressed his gratitude to the FNB Foundation which found it fit to donate to the elderly to help improve their livelihoods and welfare.
