[2008-11-10]  Barclays Partners with Stepping Stones International

Barclays Partners with Stepping Stones International
Barclays Bank of Botswana has entered into a three year partnership with Stepping Stones International in Mochudi, to the tune of P816 000. Stepping Stones International (SSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating an enabling environment for orphans and vulnerable children to grow and develop their futures. The Stepping Stones International centre is located in the village of Mochudi.
In its initial phase the centre was able to give direct support to 30 vulnerable and orphaned youth and their families. The centre has now moved into a new building that will accommodate 200 youth and now serves 60 youth and their families on a daily basis. Their vision is to motivate 75% of the orphan centre’s participation to either continue education or obtain employment by the age of 18. The partnership with Stepping Stones is part of Barclays sustainability programme aimed at giving back to the communities in which we operate.
The partnership will help to develop income generating activities for orphaned and vulnerable youth at Stepping Stones International centre, through financial support. This will provide 150 young people with the opportunity to manage a small business enterprise, encouraging self-reliance, creativity and to the development of a sense of independence.
Through the programme, the youth are assisted academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. This is done through expression activities, sports, learning study skills, job skills training, and life skills, whilst at the same time providing psycho-social support. The programme also aims to educate the youth on behavioral change; helping them to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS, alcohol and substance abuse, gender violence and to empower them against peer pressure.
Thuli Johnson, the Managing Director of Barclays Bank of Botswana commented that “Barclays is proud to be associated with this life-changing programme that empowers the underprivileged youth in Botswana”.



Source: GAZETTE