Prince Harry praises his Sentebale charity for continuing to help children in Africa during the pandemic saying they ‘stepped up to meet the moment’
- The Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale in 2006 to help vulnerable children
- Covid-19 meant programmes ruled out when support ‘needed more than ever’
- Comments made by Harry and co-founder Prince Seeiso in an annual report
- They said: ‘We are proud to say that Sentebale stepped up to meet the moment’
Prince Harry has praised his Sentebale charity for continuing to help children in Africa during the pandemic, saying they ‘stepped up to meet the moment’.
The Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale in 2006 to help vulnerable children in Lesotho, Botswana and Malawi, including those who are affected by extreme poverty and the HIV/Aids epidemic.
Covid-19 meant that tried-and-tested programmes, which involve people coming together in groups, were ruled out at a time when support for children and young people was ‘needed more than ever’, said Harry and Sentebale co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho state.
They point out, in a joint foreword for the charity’s annual report for the year ending in August 2020, that Sentebale was able to call on its experience in responding to the HIV/Aids epidemic to act as a trusted information source.
Prince Willliam, Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry are pictured dancing at The Royal Palace in Maseru, Lesotho in Africa in June 2010
Prince Harry learns sign language as he visits Kananelo Centre for the deaf, a project supported by his charity Sentebale, in February 2013 in Maseru, Lesotho
The princes state: ‘Our role as a communicator was a valuable asset, enabling us to reach out and support communities when they needed it most.
‘Despite limited resources, we are proud to say that Sentebale stepped up to meet the moment.
‘This is a testament to our staff and volunteers – to their creativity, flexibility, and passion.
‘As we begin recovering from Covid-19, now is also the time for Sentebale to look to the future and the role we will and must play.’
Harry is now based in Los Angeles with his family, and is no longer a working member of the royal family.
The princes add: ‘We are fully committed to supporting Sentebale and working with others to help achieve its vision and mission.’
During the year ending in August 2020, Sentebale secured income of £2.39million, compared with £3.93 million the previous year.
Fundraising costs accounted for £335,000, which was a drop of £1.09million.
Prince Harry takes a photograph of Prince Seeiso using a Fuji Instax camera during a photography activity ac the new Mamohao Children’s Centre in October 2015
Prince Harry speaks to Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso and his wife Princess Mabereng Seeiso during a reception before a concert hosted by his charity Sentebale at Hampton Court Palace in 2019
The Duke of Sussex takes part in activities with children at the Khayelitsha Football for Hope project in Cape Town during his visit to South Africa on behalf of Sentebale in 2015
The amount spent on charitable activities was £2.5million, down from £2.93million in 2019, as programme activities were affected by national restrictions on movement and gatherings in Lesotho and Botswana due to the pandemic.
Finding ways to cope with a reduced income due to planned events which had to be cancelled since March 2020, and the safeguarding of children and staff have been among the most significant risks during this time.
There has also been a risk of losing touch with the vulnerable children, young people and caregivers who attend the clubs, camps, and caregiver days – which have had to be paused or adapted the pandemic.