Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has launched the ‘53 Hours of Community Service’ initiative, which coincides with its 53 years of existence. According to a statement, the initiative embodies the Corporation’s commitment to community development, aiming to execute innovative and impactful projects across various villages in Botswana.

As part of this initiative, BDC staff identified projects aligned with values of innovation, inclusivity, and relevance, focusing on aiding different communities. One such collaboration involved the partnership with the Gamodubu Childcare Trust (GCT), an independent Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) home founded in 2005 by Shirley Madikwe.

Situated in the Kweneng District, near Gaborone, GCT hosts 92 resident children and relies on donations for its operations, providing essential services like food, education, counselling, and support.

However, challenges arose due to the cessation of a poultry project caused by air pollution from a nearby landfill. Responding to the Trust’s needs, the BDC staff committed 53 hours to reviving the poultry project. This included repairing infrastructure, providing financial management training, and furnishing necessary equipment and supplies, providing layers and requisite feed.

At the handover ceremony, on the 1st of December 2023, Boitshwarelo Lebang-Kgetse, Head of Corporate Affairs at BDC, highlighted the significance of such

initiatives. She emphasised the Corporation’s commitment to broader social issues beyond profit margins. Lebang-Kgetse stressed the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), demonstrating the Corporation’s engagement with the communities it serves.

The BDC’s CSR mandate focuses on entrepreneurship promotion, support for people with disabilities, and the nurturing of local talent in arts, music, and culture. The initiative underscores BDC’s dedication to impactful benevolent activities aligned with Botswana’s developmental goals,ongoing dedication to shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Botswana.