The Home Affairs minister, Mr. Thomas Thabane expressed delight for Dorcas Aid International (DAI) to have found it fit to come to Lesotho to support efforts aimed at alleviating poverty as it has done in other parts of the world.

Speaking at the official launching of the organisation in Lesotho at the National Convention Centre on Tuesday, Mr. Thabane, said he hoped that during the organisation's existence in Lesotho, it will not only focus on providing assistance to the needy people, but it will also it will help the needy to address their needs on their own so that when the aid phases out, they maybe able to survive.

He pointed out that the government of Lesotho has looked for sustainable ways of addressing the poverty situation in the country, but some of its poverty reduction projects are not working out well. The minister, noted that it has come to the attention of the government that some people in paid employment, enrich themselves with funds and materials that are intended for the poor. He therefore, appealed with the DAI to assist with prayers for repentance of such people because what they are doing is sinning beyond God's forgiveness.

Also speaking at the same occasion, the founder of the DAI, Mr. D.J. Grootsaid helping other people does not only mean giving out money, but it can also be by just visiting them to show them that they are not alone in their troubles. He said in Lesotho, they are here not to stay but just to show the people of Lesotho that there are other Christians who care for them and who sympathise with them in their hard times.

He further indicated that, they as DAI have a slogan that "together we can make a difference", and he therefore encouraged Basotho to join hands with their government and the private sector to bring changes in their lives. Present at occasion were also the Government Secretary, Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane, Members of DAI Board of Directors in Lesotho, Religious leaders and the public.

The DAI is an international Christian relief and development aid organisation. It has been in Lesotho since 1999. Since then, it has been engaged in famine relief food distribution in Qacha's Nek, Thaba-Tseka, Semonkong and other parts of the country.

19 February, 2003