11 Apr 2017

Chairperson of Selolwe Ward Development Committee (WDC) in Francistown West, Ms Batshegi Kgari says Tirelo Setshaba participants engaged to serve under their committee are playing a remarkable role towards the committee’s daily activities.

Mr Kgari said this in an interview, noting that the idea to incorporate the participants under WDC benefits these participants.

He said while the participants got to benefit in terms of exposure to the work place culture, social interaction skills and in other ways, the committee also got necessary assistance, which had improved their efficiency in their daily activities.

Mr Kgari said one of the participants was engaged in close monitoring of Ipelegeng programme issues, citing the safety of tools, keeping up the register used for preparation of payments.

Mr Kgari said the other participant was engaged in social welfare related issues.

“This other participant under the S&CD normally notes down any social welfare related matters and hands them over to the relevant officers for possible solutions,” he said.

Mr Kgari also indicated that the two participants always gave necessary support, especially during meetings and workshops.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, a 27-year-old Ms Ompaletse Mahamba noted that Tirelo Setshaba was worth it as it was one way of empowering most of the out of school youth.

“This is one of the youth intervention programmes that helps a lot of us to deal with challenges of lack of employment that most of us are trapped in,” she said.

With her monthly allowance, Ms Mahamba has managed to enrol for a certificate in community development course at Gaborone University College.

“Although this allowance might not be enough to satisfy our desires, with the right attitude one can achieve a lot, it is all about setting priorities right,” she said.

Ms Mahamba also said while naysayers despise her role under Ipelegeng, she has decided to turn a deaf ear because the benefits she got were way much better than being home and idle.

Ms Mahamba further said the orientation she received before she started serving helped her settle well despite that she met different people from different social backgrounds.

She said through the orientation, they were encouraged to exercise necessary respect and always seek help about any challenges they faced in their different work areas.

Ms Mahamba further encouraged fellow youth to set their main concern right and fully make use of the initiatives as they could be a stepping stone to better opportunities. ENDS