BOBS Staff with Loratong Centre Coordinators

One of the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) values is to directly participate in Community Projects and being committed to minimizing challenges which emanate from social ills faced by the nation. So it was not surprising when BOBS employees took this initiative of social responsibility to Thamaga, donating Christmas gifts in the form of foodstuffs, clothes and toys to the children of Loratong Orphanage Centre.
Loratong is an orphanage centre in Thamaga under the auspices of the UCCSA church in the village. It survives only on donations and volunteers from the church. It currently has 304 children.
Speaking at the donation ceremony, Acting Managing Director for BOBS, Masego Marobela, narrated that by being in Thamaga that time, they were honoring the social responsibility value and also aligning it with the Vision 2016 pillar of being a compassionate and caring nation.
“This is a small donation from us, but it is a beginning of a long lasting relationship,” she said with a big smile on her face.

Mrs. Marobela explained that though their relationship with Loratong is fairly new, it was a starting point for many great things to come. She said they considered Loratong above others because its target impressed them. “We liked the idea that Loratong is helping small children. We feel we have a role in making sure these future presidents are raised in a way that can open their tomorrow. We are sure this country and nation at large will benefit from these small faces that you see here today,” she said.
Mrs. Marobela commended caretakers of the orphanage, who all of them were volunteers, for the good job they were doing. “What you are doing is not an easy job. It takes an effort, especially since you receive no money in return,” she said.
She pledged BOBS’ support in anyhow they could assist. Tiny little faces, voices that pierce the air from the high pitch when singing, eyes that shine and twinkle with delight at the sight of food and a little laughter from the back as others are having their little play at the back. That is how the children of Loratong received their gifts – with very few or no words, but smiles that move others to act.

Pastor Matibisi of the UCCSA, thanked the BOBS employees for their support. He pointed out that the centre needed more help, including but not limited to the expansion of the centre, remuneration for the volunteers, building of hostels as some of the children do not have proper shelters, TV sets, transport and sporting facilities. “The list is endless, that is why we sometimes feel we are asking too much,” he said.
The chief’s representative, Mr Gobuamang Gobuamang cautioned the children to stay away from things that may hamper them from having a good life. “Stay away from alcohol and drugs. Stay away from groups.”