BDC Supports Gardening and Horticulture

Members of The Central Association of The Blind and Disabled (CABD) people in Serowe have been encouraged to work hard to ensure that their horticulture project create food, employment and transfer of skills to the local community. The call was made by the Chairman of Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) Limited’s Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee Mr Simon Meti at a handing over ceremony held in Serowe over the weekend (February 27, 2009).

Mr Meti   urged the CABD to use the resources they get from government and the private sector efficiently to provide for their own economic independence.
He said BDC believes in self sustenance and good investment initiatives, hence it donated P42 000 towards purchase of pumps, water reticulation and installation of drip irrigation in the CABD’s garden in Serowe recently.

 Mr Meti observed that gardening is a wonderful and flexible medium that can transform lives at both personal and commercial levels. He said BDC believes that the one for the CABD is a great example of a commercially viable business, run in the main by people with disabilities, who are not only providing for themselves but also feeding the nation. The CABD has a two hectare garden and  produces and supplies Serowe and the surrounding villages with vegetables and fruits as well as land scapping for government and the private sector. The Association has so far established over 10 projects employing over 70 people.

Mr. Meti noted that all ages and abilities can benefit from a sustained and active interest in gardening such as one by the CABD.  He said apart from providing employment, training and work experience for people with disabilities, gardening could be therapeutic. He also  noted that exercises in the garden can help improve physical and mental health, as well as making people feel better for being outdoors and in touch with nature.

Mr.  Meti further  noted that the opportunity to socialize and connect with other people is also important as is a sense of purpose and achievement. He further noted that the hope that gardening can improve people’s  life is a positive for those born with a disability, as well as those trying to cope with disability caused perhaps by an accident or an illness, such as stroke or heart disease.

The mandate of BDC’s social responsibility is to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of the communities in which we operate and promoting environment to ensure healthy and safe surroundings. BDC assists organisations and associations which  performs services of potential and actual benefit to the entire community and are non discriminatory, including but not limited to the following:

• The conservation of the environment including natural resources.
• The care, rehabilitation and training of the handicapped, socially disadvantaged and ill.
• Research and public education on the history, culture, people and economy of Botswana.
• The provision of recreational and sporting activities representing the country at National level.
• The promotion of Botswana as an investment and tourist destination
• The promotion and development of business and entreprenuerial skills.
• Support sustainable existing and emerging community based small developmental projects giving priority to youth and women.
• And last but not least, Promotion of cultural activities.