15 Feb 2018

Ms Gogontlejang Phaladi has been honoured with The Queen Elizabeth II 10th Commonwealth Point of Light award in Gaborone on February 14.

The award which was handed to Ms Phaladi who is founder and director of her non-profit and non-governmental organisation by the British High Commissioner to Botswana, Ms Katy Ransome on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, was in recognition of her ‘exceptiona’l voluntary service and advocacy for gender equality as well as human rights.

Ms Phaladi, 24, is a human rights activist and philanthropist.

She participated in humanitarian work, community building and human rights advocacy on issues of child protection and violence against women and children.

Only age five when her charity organisation was founded, Ms Phaladi has made her contribution to social challenges contributing to Botswana and international borders thus far such as working with UNFPA and UNESCO as a HIV and AIDS educator and campaign facilitator on several campaigns.

The Points of Light award which began in the US, later adopted by the UK, was a scheme developed to honour and appreciate inspirational volunteers throughout the Commonwealth, said Ms Ransome.

“Ms Phaladi’s work is a true embodiment to a global leader and reflects Commonwealth values,” she added.

She explained that Ms Phaladi’s hard work and determination from such a tender age was one of the reasons why the Points of Light nominated her to receive the award as one of the youngest Motswana volunteers and urged for more Batswana to engage in works of philanthropy.

Ms Phaladi, who showed her gratitude for the award, said she would continue serving her community and appreciated the award.

“I am currently working on a mentorship scheme initiative that promotes the girl child and women leadership and self-actualisation,” she stated. Ends