Berea, Oct 20—In celebration of the International Day of older persons, St. Agnes High School former students under their Mahlomola Possa Outreach Fund have observed the event by celebrating with some of their former teachers from 1989 to 1993.

During the event marked on Saturday at Teyateyaneng under the theme, “Aging with dignity: The importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons worldwide”, the team of former students also celebrated the first anniversary of the fund. 

Co-Chairperson of the board, Mrs. Liteboho Lerotholi, also a former teacher at St. Agnes high school remarked that aging is inevitable and it may be burdensome, but they need to continue to keep elders happy at home by respecting them.

Mrs. Lerotholi stressed that last year in November they came together in a manner similar to this one to inaugurate the executive board of the Fund, to commemorate the International Day of Elderly and to present the fund and its purpose to St. Agnes alumni and the public.

She stressed that today marks a significant milestone as they celebrate their first anniversary of which their inauguration initially coincided with the International Day of Elderly and as a result, they find the event to be important to reflect back on progress made and also not to forget their senior citizens.

She said among the milestones made since the inauguration are, completion of the constitution, drafting of a policy on conferment of civic honors awards, design and production of alumni membership cards, design and launched the website and others.

Additionally, Mrs. Lerotholi who currently works as Registrar at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) also highlighted that they have begun a number of initiatives which they are carrying forward to 2025 and beyond which include, student development programmes, student support through scholarships and securing more membership. 

On behalf of St. Agnes high school, Deputy Principal Mr. Lehohonolo Koela said they support the initiative of honoring the elderly people, but the important issue is to teach them on how to be healthy. 

Mr. Koela said elderly people have contributed a lot to the society as they are resourceful, therefore celebrating them has to be throughout the year and as a result one of their former principals Mr. Mahlomola Possa and colleagues have left a legacy called St. Agnes high school which is active in providing education. 

One of the retired St. Agnes teachers, Mr. Peete Mohale said they have seen all kinds of innovations till now in the time of digital era, therefore he urged age mates to accept that they are old so that they can have inner peace.

Mr. Mohale added that they should accept other people and they should be what they are, citing that failure to do so will shorten their lifespan or they invite chronic diseases.

On behalf of the sponsors, Smoke of Forgiveness Chairman and also a former student at St. Agnes high school, Mr. Makhubane Tshabalala said moments such as this signal friendship renewal as they celebrate their elderly and commemorate the first anniversary of the fund. 

Mr. Tshabalala said Smoke of Forgiveness in partnership with the fund they value wisdom of the senior citizens, adding that they are priceless resources and source of strength for young generation, therefore caring for elders is a privilege, therefore treat them well, show kindness and respect and teach your children how it is done. 

Also addressing former teachers and ex-students about a healthy lifestyle and anti-aging strategies, Mr. Lebohang Machachamise said people need to know a healthy eating lifestyle, elderly people are important people in the society and they have left a legacy.

Mr. Machachamise said in the modern era people's health is deteriorating, the majority of people spend much of their hard-earned cash in supermarkets to buy foods and health facilities are always congested with people queuing for different services and this is only influenced by what they eat.

The Fund was founded mostly by the class of 1993 students in honor of their former St. Agnes high school retired principal Mr. Mahlomola Possa with the aim to help the vulnerable students of the school to meet their academic needs.