The Cheque for $122,500 was presented to support Batswana youth at dinner reception honouring Vice-President of Botswana, H.E. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi

Keeping in line with its corporate social responsibility, Diamond Empowerment Fund presented a check for $122,500 to support Batswana youth through access to higher education so they can help contribute to the economic development and diversification of Botswana.

It was on the 1st of October that the cheque was presented to the Botswana Delegation in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, including newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the U.S., H.E. Mr. David John Newman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Charles ThembaniNtwaagae, and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Honorable Ms. PelonomiVenson-Moitoi, at a dinner reception honoring the Vice-President of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. MokgweetsiMasisi.

It may be recalled that Botswana is one of the top producers of diamonds by carat weight and value in the world. It is also a shining model of the positive impact diamonds have on communities when good governance is combined with good corporate social responsibility and best business practices from the private sector and government.

Then Minister of Education for Botswana Honorable PelonomiVenson-Moitoi, as a way to achieve Botswana’s vision to be an educated and informed nation, started the Top Achievers Program in 2010. Said Ms.Venson-Moitoi, during the check presentation, “Without diamonds, we would not be here today. Without our youth, we would not have a future that is as bright as it is today. With the partnership of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, we are truly blessed.”

On the occasion, D.E.F co-founder, Dr. Benjamin Chavis also spoke, “Botswana represents all the good that diamonds can do. The Diamond Empowerment Fund is proud to support Botswana’s future by helping empower its youth and looks forward to helping the country celebrate its 50th year of Independence in 2016”.