06 Jun 2016

Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Programme (BOCAIP) program officer, Ms Mpho Fane, has hailed the spirit of volunteerism as the life blood of the non-governmental (NGO) organisation as it could make a positive difference in the lives of the people.  

She said volunteerism gave societies a ray of hope as well as solicited dignity and this could give them courage to look forward to a better tomorrow.

Ms Fane was speaking during a five-day BOCAIP workshop in Maun recently. She noted that BOCAIP recently recruited 10 volunteers who were TB and HIV/AIDS mobilisers in the Ngami region to assist in the fight against these diseases in terms of raising awareness.

These volunteers she said would give educational talks and campaigns, contact tracing, testing, referrals, and administering drugs to TB patients and prepare clients who are on pre- antiretroviral therapy for starting treatment irrespective of their CD4 count to meet the recommendations made by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

‘‘Being a TB/HIV mobiliser is not an easy task, it vividly shows that you are thinking about the welfare of another human being other than yourself and this is really commendable. Go out there and show your communities what you are capable of; promote good health, empower those who have lost hope and show them love and impart them with dignity,’’ said Ms Fane.

Ms Fane highlighted that they recruited volunteers from people who know their communities best and they could do their job profoundly and in comfort since they are already familiar with their villages

This community based project is set out to operate in health facilities in Ngamiland, Ms Fane encouraged mobilisers to emphasise much on confidentiality as it is the key to promoting good health.

She also encouraged first time volunteers to take their work seriously, to be open minded as it can open many doors for them.

She also gave them a task to treat their client with the outmost respect, care and the love they deserve and that their attitude has to show that the nation is geared towards making a difference in people’s lives.

One of the mobilisers, Ms Xawe Kashe from Tsau, embraced the task with both hands and declared that she was ready to make a difference.

“Life is not without challenges and we are living in the days whereby we have to help one another to reach a certain goal. I am glad I am part of the team,’’ she said. ENDS