Twenty-Seven orphaned kids have completed a two weeks’ therapeutic session camp in Motlhabaneng. The team was code named Bokamoso cohort 16. The retreat camp was aimed at helping the participants to speak out about their experiences and pressures related to their losses while also developing coping skills.
The team was made up of eighteen (18) girls and nine (9) boys who have successfully completed their 2 weeks retreat camp.
Gaborone City Deputy Mayor Oduetse commended City Council for their work. He praised the Social & Community Development Department for caring about the mental wellbeing of orphaned children.
The deputy Mayor said these kids deserve love and care as they are the future leaders of the country. He advised City Council to keep track of these kids’ even after they have graduated from the program and no longer under the care of social workers.
S & CD Committee Chairperson Honourable Joyce Tumagole applauded the participants for successfully completing their sessions. Honourable Tumagole encouraged guardians of the orphaned children to start nurturing them at a young age. She said it is important for parents to create a room for their children to practice what they learnt at the retreat camp.
Tumagole encouraged social workers to conduct random home visits to see how the children are adapting.
For her part, Chief S & CD Officer Segopotso Dikai commended the participants for completing the session. Dikai said the program managed to change the kids’ behaviors and perspectives in a positive way. She stressed that the kids are able to express themselves freely because of the therapeutic sessions.
Giving the objectives of the day, Principal Social Welfare Officer Solly Molefe said re-integration of orphans offers an opportunity for the child, guardians and social workers to reflect on their challenges and achievements.
Molefhe said the retreat camp was meant to offer some life skills and give time to share their life experiences. He added that the retreat was also meant to encourage support and have the spirit of interaction amongst themselves.
