New York, NY; October 6, 2015 – The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F.) 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.
From L-R : Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Botswana, H.E. Mr. Charles Thembani Ntwaagai, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Honorable Ms. Pelonomi Venson-Moiroi, Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana H.E. Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, D.E.F Co-Founder Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President of D.E.F’s board of directors and CEO Mercury Ring, Ms. Phyllis Bergman, D.E.F Executive Director Ms. Nancy Orem Lyman, Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the U.S., H.E. Mr. David John Newman.
The check was presented October 1 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 Thembani Ntwaagae, and Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Honorable Ms. Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, at a dinner reception honoring the Vice- President of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi.
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 Pelonomi Venson-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.”
Dr. Benjamin Chavis shaking the hand of Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations for Botswana, H.E. Mr. Charles Thembani Ntwaagai.
Concurred D.E.F co-founder, Dr. Benjamin Chavis “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”.
All photos in the above post are credit to Terri Diamond Photograph.