Woodbois Regulatory News (WBI)

17 June 2014

Obtala Resources Limited

("Obtala" or the "Company")

(AIM: OBT)

Corporate Social Responsibility Programme with the Sentebale Charity, Lesotho

Obtala Resources Limited (AIM:OBT), the emerging agri-processing, farming and timber company, is pleased to announce that it is entering into a partnership with Sentebale, a children's charity founded in 2006 by His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Prince Seeiso Bereng Seeiso.

Sentebale, which means 'Forget me not' in Sesotho, works in partnership with local grassroots organisations and government ministers to provide healthcare and education to some of the most vulnerable children in the world - the victims of extreme poverty and Lesotho's HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Sentebale focuses on the following:

- Children with HIV. Lesotho has the third highest HIV infection rate in the world, with an estimated over 37,000 children under 14 living with HIV. Through Mamohato camps and network clubs, Sentebale addresses the emotional and psychological needs of children living with HIV. These include addressing the stigma attached to the disease in a safe environment, encouraging peer-to-peer communication and showing them how to effectively manage their anti-retroviral medication to ensure good adherence and therefore a better quality of life. 

- Access to Education. The Lesotho Bureau of Statistics estimates that only 15% of males and 24% of females over 15 years old have completed primary education. For many children in Lesotho, completing their education is very difficult; many have to stay at home to look after parents who are ill or younger siblings and many more live so far from the nearest school that attending regularly is impossible. Sentebale provides secondary school bursaries to these vulnerable children, ensuring they continue their education, opening up new opportunities and helping them to lead more rewarding lives.

- Care for vulnerable children. Children with physical or mental disabilities or those whom are orphans are most at risk from Lesotho's ongoing food crisis, abuse and exploitation. Working with local community partners, Sentebale ensures that these children receive nutritious meals, care and education.

As a result of the partnership, we will make regular donations to the work that Sentebale does with vulnerable children in Lesotho. We have committed to working with the charity over a long period of time, developing the partnership further in the future, as Obtala continues to grow its production levels at the fruit and vegetable cannery in Lesotho.

Chairman's comment

Francesco Scolaro, Chairman of the Board, commented: "we are very pleased that Sentebale has agreed to work with Obtala and that we can participate in their cause to help the children of Lesotho. This marks an important step in our Corporate Social Responsibility Programme."