Philanthropist
Ever since she was a little girl, Valentine Tendani had a passion to help the poor. As a 16-year-old form three student in 2009, Tendani was very touched when she saw some of her schoolmates walking barefoot to school in winter.
“I was in severe emotional pain because some of those students were younger than me. So I approached the school management to raise my concerns and social workers were eventually roped in to assist them with shoes,” she says.
While still at high school, she took it upon herself to share what little food she had with hungry kids seeking handouts outside Maun Senior Secondary School. She was equally committed to see her peers take their studies seriously. After matriculating in 2012, 19-year-old Tendani tried to raise funds to build a house for a destitute woman in her home village, Sebina.
“Sadly my efforts did not come to pass, as the village authorities said I had not followed the right procedures. However, I continued visiting the old woman, helping her with house chores and spending time with her,” she says.
Tendani’s prayers were answered in 2014 when she landed a job with the Kagisano Society Women’s Shelter. She immediately started saving money; her savings later clothed 12 needy people from her home village. The following year Tendani was able to donate school uniforms to six needy students.
“I look forward to donating more school uniforms in November 2016. I have already saved P2 000 towards this initiative and this time around I have lobbied for support from my relatives and some influential members of the community. I’m sure we will be able to put a smile on the faces of those in need,” says Tendani.
She describes herself as a firm believer who uses the word of God to motivate others.
“We must especially look out for needy children and motivate them to work hard at school, be aware of their talents and work on realising them,” says Tendani.
This warm-hearted philanthropist has also received coverage in the local media for her generosity and hard efforts, as well as various references from her former teachers and the Department of Social and Community Development (S&CD) in the Central District Council.
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