28 Apr 2013

Faith based organisations should work and collaborate with government and non-governmental organisations in area of character development.

Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Nonofo Molefhi’s private secretary, Mr Samuel Mbaiwa said this during the Why Wait Programme and The Books of Hope launch and workshop in Selebi Phikwe recently.

The event was organised by Rotary Club International through Why Wait Programme and Books of Hope for teachers, pastors and community leaders in Selebi Phikwe.

Mr Mbaiwa said the ministry had officially joined hands with faith-based organisations  to teach life skills. He noted that teachers and pastors equip learners with relevant life skills which are essential for character development.  

He said the Why Wait programme targets  all age groups and provides a ray of hope in the “era of HIV/AIDS and multiplicity of social ills.

Programmes such as family and marriage fitness adventure are part of Why Wait and comes at a time when the greatest pillar of any nation which is the family, is under its worst attack,” he said.

He pointed out that the breakdown of marriages and rebellion in children are mere symptoms of a bigger problem, which is the absence of character.

Furthermore, he stated that the crossroads curriculum launched in 1996 adopted a strong tool for HIV and AIDS prevention to help the youth to internalise positive values and beliefs, which guide them to be good decision makers.

He also mentioned that the Botswana vision empowers Godly families whilst the Why Wait mission helps transform, create and enhance conducive family and school systems through integrated interventions such as advocacy, family life and character building education.

The programme, he said, would assist attendants help strengthen efforts in bridging the communication gap between children and adults in their communities.

One of the presenters at the workshop, director of Reaching a Generation from South Africa, Mr Jacques van Bommel, highlighted the importance of teachers in changing the lives of children at an early age.

He said teaching should not be done for the “love of the money but to transform people’s lives because teachers and pastors are educators, parents, facilitators and psychologists to each and every child.”

Mr Bommel said in the execution of their day to day duties, teachers, pastors and civil leaders face a lot of challenges, hence the need to equip them with the knowledge that could help them work towards shaping societies.

He said challenges like alcoholism, divorce, teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse were some of the factors that lead to an unhealthy nation.

He also urged everyone to help in the restoration of morality and called for unnecessary cultural practices to be shunned.

He said through Rotary Club International Selebi Phikwe they would donate 1 000 books to children.  ENDS