Paper 4 Africa has donated a brand new home at Taung, South East District to an elderly blind man and his family.
The director of Paper 4 Africa, Joseph Puvinamasinghe was delighted to finally handover the keys to Patrick Charlie and his family last week Thursday after a long wait.
“It gives me great pleasure and happiness to finally handover this house to a worthy recipient,” said Puvinamasinghe
Paper 4 Africa are no strangers to philanthropy as they have engaged in book donations in Bobonong and Ramotswa as well as a house in Gabane.
“We have donated exercise books to more than 60,000 students all over Botswana. This is our second house that we are donating after we donated a house to a worthy recipient in Gabane.” said Puvinamasinghe.
However, Puvinamasinghe expressed his disappointment at the overly delayed process to finally donate the house after construction was completed almost three years ago.
“I am saddened that this house was completed in December 2017 and it hurts me that Mr. Charlie could have seen this house as he was passing by and wondering when is he going to get in,” said the disheartened director.
He added, “I believe there was an issue with the council being unable to fulfill their part and it saddens me that this is the case.”
For his part, Balete Senior Chief, Kgosi Motlhanka Mokgosi applauded Paper 4 Africa for their commitment to assisting the less fortunate.
“I would like to express my gratitude for this generous act. We as a community cannot expect to survive by ourselves, but it is the support of the community that makes us stronger,” said Mokgosi.
Kgosi Lebogang Masie of Taung was also thrilled with the new house as it gives opportunity to the less fortunate to improve their livelihood.
However, the chief echoed Puvinamasinghe’s sentiments regarding the slow process of the family receiving their new home.
“There appears to have been a disconnect during the process of working together in this project,” noted Masie.
The overjoyed recipient Patrick Charlie expressed his gratitude to Paper 4 Africa for their contribution in helping the needy.
“It’s good to see the community come together to help the poor. I encourage this generosity and pray the Lord may bless those with a giving spirit,” said Charlie.
South East District Sub Council Chairperson, Semakaleng Sebogodi reiterated her gratitude for the new house and encouraged the Charlie family to take good care of their new home.
To clarify the long delays, Sebogodi said, “We had a challenge of ensuring there is running water and sanitation before we handed over the house. We take the blame and apologise to the Charlie family and Paper 4 Africa for the delay.”
