by eyetee | April 16, 2012 12:34 pm
More of Botswana’s top high school students will now have a chance to study abroad, thanks to a $100,000 gift from the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF).
A joint venture between DEF and Botswana’s ministry of education, the ‘Top Achievers Program’ allows students to attend the school of their choice anywhere in the world. Graduates then return to contribute to the country’s economic, social, and political development.
DEF is a non-profit organization raising money to develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource. Last September, the group awarded $50,000 to the program.
“This gift is a commitment from us to empower African youth and further Botswana’s vision of a thriving economy built on the responsible use of its natural resources to benefit its people,” said DEF co-founder and advisory board chair, Russell Simmons.
Varda Shine, chief executive officer (CEO) of Diamond Trading Company (DTC), praised the efforts being made by the industry in support of diamond-producing nations.
“The Diamond Empowerment Fund clearly understands that access to education and incubation of future leaders leads to sustained progress, economic growth, and prosperity,” said Shine, a member of DEF’s governing board.
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