The Diamond Empowerment Fund (D.E.F) donated US$ 130,000 to the Botswana Top Achiever Programme, which recognizes students across Botswana and provides them with the ability to study in premier universities around the world. 

The cheque for this amount was handed over during a dinner reception with His Excellency President Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi of Botswana on the eve of the opening of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly.

Students who study abroad under the Top Achiever program come back to Botswana and contribute towards its economic diversification.  D.E.F. has contributed to the Botswana Top Achievers programme since 2011. 

In his remarks thanking the D.E.F., President Masisi recognized that through D.E.F.’s Diamonds Do Good initiative, the Botswana diamond story is reflected in a hugely positive way, emphasizing how ethically sourced diamonds have made and continue to make enormous contributions to Botswana’s economy, an example of good governance and industry best practices.

“Everyone from Botswana attending this reception tonight in some way benefits from diamonds. We thank the Diamond Empowerment Fund for investing in the future of our next generation of leaders,” President Masisi said. Added D.E.F President, Anna Martin, “We are thrilled that through our supporters in the diamond industry, we are able to give back to Botswana which is one of the top producers of diamonds in the world.  Diamonds truly do good.”

Pic caption: At the DEF event (l to r) DEF Executive Director Nancy Orem Lyman, DEF Board President Anna Martin, H.E. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, First Lady Neo Masisi, Ambassador David John Newman, DEF Co-Founder Dr. Benjamin Chavis
Pic courtesy: D.E.F.