Botswana: Serowe District Council hosted a Graduation ceremony for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) on October 26, 2023. Go Moremi Gorge in the Tswapong area served as the venue for the event. The graduation was the thirteenth event which the district administration hosted for the OVC.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development entered into a collaboration with the Ark and Mark Development Trust for the initiative. Serowe district council believe that the initiative is affecting lives of many vulnerable children in Botswana positively.
Sixty-six (66) students graduated under the OVC initiative in 2023. These 66 children chose the name: “THE WINNERS” or “BALEKANE to refer to one another. The Chief Social and Community Development Officer Mpho Bogatsu spoke of the significance of the programme during the graduation.
She believes that this will help the seventh-grade passers in preparing them for Junior Secondary school. Further, the programme will help the children in understanding the value of education in today’s changing world.
She highlighted the role that the programme is playing in providing support to children who are willing to reintegrate into their families, schools, and communities.
Kgosi Days of Go Moremi village thanked the Government of Botswana for implementing this vital program. They recognized the potential of the programme in helping children overcome the trauma they have experienced.
Kgosi encouraged the children to take their education seriously, avoid drugs and risky behaviors. She asserted that they can lead to trouble and disrupt their studies.
‘Balekane, I am fascinated by the name that you have collectively adopted to refer to yourselves as winners. There is a saying that goes winners never quit and quitters never win. I, therefore, encourage you to adopt the resilient tendency to stand against any challenges that you may encounter.
If the situation is overwhelming utilize the available resources, programs, and personnel for assistance, said the acting Deputy Council Secretary Technical, Mr. Gabriel Mpofu when delivering his keynote address.
Among the attendants were parents who are Community volunteers and are actively involved in assisting these children in their homes for the next three years.