Host of essential goods handed over BOKANG MOSHOESHOE MASERU --- A spirit of generosity, collaboration and community upliftment was demonstrated during a successful handover of essential goods to Mohlomi Mental Hospital this week. The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by local Rotary Clubs and their corporate partners to support and improve healthcare institutions in Lesotho. The ceremony, which drew the participation of members from both the Rotaract Club of Qiloane and the ‘Mantsopa Rotary Club, was organized to officially present a set of essential goods donated to the hospital. The items included a television set, bathing basins, bedding sheets, and a metal cage among other necessities, all aimed at improving the living conditions of patients and enhancing recreational activities within the institution. Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, DataNet Company, Rotarian Thuso Green praised the efforts of the Rotary Clubs and noted that the sponsorship reflects the core values and goals of the company. In his remarks he emphasized that their donation was more than a mere act of charity as it was a strategic investment in community well-being and a testament to the values the Rotary Club holds dearly. “This initiative aligns directly with our organizational mandate, which focuses on community development and social responsibility. We are therefore proud to have been part of this impactful project and we look forward to taking this collaboration even further,” he stated. Rotarian Thuso went further to issue a challenge to the clubs Rotaract Club of Qiloane and ‘Mantsopa Rotary Club to elevate the initiative and consider transforming it into a signature project that could attract greater impact and long-term sustainability. He affirmed that DataNet is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the clubs to broaden the scope of the project and reach even more beneficiaries in the future. On behalf of Mohlomi Hospital’s management, Sister Maholi Rampeta, a nurse at the facility, delivered an emotional message of appreciation. She extended heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary community for what she described as a “meaningful and thoughtful donation.” She emphasized that the gifts would go a long way in improving the lives of the patients, especially since some of the items support recreational therapy, a crucial aspect in the recovery and well-being of mental health patients. “Our patients will now have access to more recreational activities through the television set, and their daily hygiene and care routines will greatly improve with the donated items. We are extremely grateful for this generous gesture as these gifts will go a long way in improving the quality of life of our patients,” she said. Sister Rampeta also used the platform to shed light on some of the pressing needs that the hospital continues to face. She mentioned that male clothing particularly branded garments for patient identification remains a critical requirement. She explained that such clothing is essential not only for the dignity of the patients but also for safety and management reasons, especially when patients wander or escape from the institution, a common challenge faced by mental healthcare providers. “This is an urgent matter for us, branded clothing not only brings dignity to the patients, but it also allows for quick identification when patients go missing. It is a security and health issue combined,” Rampeta explained. In response, Immediate Past President (IPP), Katleho Mothae of the Rotaract Club of Qiloane, reassured the hospital of the club’s unwavering support and indicated that they would conduct further assessments to better understand the hospital’s ongoing needs. “This is just the beginning; we intend to return, not only to monitor the impact of our donation but to ensure that we continue to support Mohlomi in ways that truly make a difference,” Mothae declared. Echoing Mothae’s words, ‘Mantsopa Rotary Club president ’Mabotle Sekota emphasized that the gesture would indeed benefit the patients. She assured the attendees that this was merely the beginning of a larger vision, reminding them that even Rome was not built in a day. Sekota concluded by thanking IPP Mothae, noting that this initiative was originally conceptualized and implemented under his leadership in the Rotaract Club of Qiloane. The handover ceremony ended with a renewed spirit of partnership between the two clubs, DataNet, and the hospital staff. It served as a reminder that through shared vision and commitment, communities can come together to uplift even the most vulnerable members of society. As the clubs look toward the future, the hope is that this gesture of goodwill and solidarity will serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country, demonstrating once again the power of community-driven change.