19 May 2013

Canadian first lady, Ms Sharon Johnston on May 17 visited Stepping Stones International organisation in Mochudi.

Ms Sharon and Governor General, Mr David Johnston were on a four-day state visit to Botswana.  Stepping Stones is a civil society organisation dedicated to unlocking potential of orphaned and vulnerable adolescents aged between 12 and 18, by creating opportunities for them to become self-sufficient.

The organisation has enjoyed Canadian funding since 2007 for peer education in schools, which has since been expanded to eight districts across the country thus benefiting 35 schools.

Stepping Stones executive director, Ms Lisa Jamu, said the continuing Canadian engagement had helped align the organisation's vision and mission with global strategy and government priorities in addressing the youth. She said the visit by the Canadian entourage was a welcome gesture as they had to see the results of their financial support.

Ms Jamu said the visit would solidify the collaboration as other stakeholders could be brought on board to assist the organisationI as a lot had to be done for the children. She added that they would like to see the Canadian funding and professional expertise assistance continuing as the centre still needed more volunteers.

Ms Jamu said they were promoting linkages with the private sector such as mining because as children graduated, they needed to be placed in different sectors to enhance their skills. She said they were building on successes to broaden Stepping Stone’s unique model throughout Botswana and other countries. ENDS