27 Apr 2017

Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of Balete has hailed the opening of the Ramotswa Youth Centre, saying it will address challenges and pressures faced by young people.
Speaking during the official launch of the Ramotswa Youth Centre at Emmanuel Counselling Centre recently in Ramotswa, Kgosi Mosadi appreciated the United States of America Embassy in Botswana for having facilitated the project funding.
She said the centre would provide for young people aged between 12 to 25 years, adding that it would provide a safe and youth friendly space.

The objectives of the centre are to provide youth with technical skills, resources and opportunities to further their academic and professional goals, to offer a wide range of engaging and productive recreational activities.
She said it would provide the youth with appropriate skills, information about sexual and reproductive health issues so that they could protect themselves from teenage pregnancies, unwanted pregnancies and HIV/AIDS.
Kgosi Mosadi said the youth needed education, guidance, support and employment, adding that many out of school youth hold degrees, but faced challenges of finding employment.
She said the youth centre would complement the existing youth empowerment programmes such as the Youth Development Fund, LIMID and others.
The US Embassy charge d’affaires, Mr Timothy Smith commended the Peace Corps for having initiated the project.

He said the project was born out of community engagement, and that they were proud of the work the Peace Corps had done by showing love and support.
For her part, the chief executive officer for Botswana Christian AIDS Intervention Programme (BOCAIP), Ms Bridget Mphusu said the US government has supported Botswana in fighting HIV/AIDS.
She said many lives had been saved out of the support from the US embassy, and she urged the youth to utilise the centre.
The youth centre comprises of a computer lab with internet service, homework supplies library, recreational equipment, art supplies and entertainment facilities. BOPA