Leading black-controlled construction materials group, AfriSam, handed over newly-built ablution facilities to the pupils and teachers of Metoloaneng Primary School. This follows years of the school’s operating without such facilities. The completion of this project was celebrated at a function held at the school in Mphaki in March 2013, attended by dignitaries from AfriSam, the Department of Education, villagers as well as teachers and learners from the school.

“This initiative is in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility mission to understand the needs of society and communities in areas where we do business in order to make meaningful and sustainable contributions to their upliftment,” says Thato Tsuene, Country Manager, AfriSam Lesotho. Construction of the facilities commenced in early 2012, following an identification of the requirement by AfriSam. The facilities comprise three toilets with a total of 14 seats. The company’s relationship with the school goes back a number of years. “In 2010 we constructed three classrooms for learners, following a request from the school. At the time the school used make-shift tents as shelter for classes. In 2007 the tents were blown over by ferocious winds and pupils had to study in the open from then onwards making it very difficult for them under the changing weather conditions,” says Tsuene.

The lack of proper facilities at the time resulted in a gradual decline in the number of scholars. Past contributions from AfriSam include building a perimeter fence around the school as well as the provision of school shoes for the learners. “We hope that these facility improvements will serve as motivation for more learners to enrol at the school and get educated, with the vision of a better future for themselves and their people,” concludes Tsuene. AfriSam has an intensive CSR programme with a focus on education and conservation. The company is involved in various educational projects nationwide, with the objective of empowering and equipping communities with the knowledge and skills, as well as providing them with the tools and facilities to become self-reliant and sustainable. The company’s overall Community Involvement mission is to understand the needs of society and communities in areas where it does business to make meaningful and sustainable contributions to their upliftment.