22 Jul 2013

Children need proper care if they are to grow up to be responsible citizens, according to a chairperson of the community development and social services committee in Ngamiland, Mr Gaokgakala Letswee.

 Mr Letswee was speaking  at a graduation ceremony for orphaned and vulnerable children’s retreat at Tsodilo Hills. He said it was important for the society to meet children’s needs as it did cost much to provide for their needs.

“Our harvest is the next generation of children who will grow up to respond to any challenge, as well as help their community,” he said.

He further said the community should be in position to understand children’s problems noting that some problems could be too much for children to handle.  “We have to be in a position to identify or recognise when children are struggling with problems,” he said.

Mr Letswee also encouraged the graduating students and explained that with all the knowledge and life skills they had acquired in two weeks they would be able to conquer their own battles and be able to handle life’s challenges.

 He also applauded the department of social and community development for such an educative forum and applauded government for the implementation of the Children’s Act in 2009.

The objectives of the initiative according to retreat coordinator ,Ms Dorcas Matsetse was to counsel participants, soothe their minds and teach them on how to approach life challenges.

She also said the experience was for them to reach out to other orphans and even other vulnerable children and educate them about tackling challenges. One of the participants said that some of them had experienced abuse and lack of support from relatives.

“Being reminded that your parents are dead is painful, I am appealing to all of you to give us love, inspire us and remember that we have made a commitment as a nation that we should be a caring nation,” he said.

She also encouraged other participants that it was imperative for them to stand up for their rights, respect themselves and have a vision in life.

 She said  despite the loss of her two parents she managed a first class pass during the primary school leaving examination and urged them to aspire for the same.  The retreat was hosted for junior secondary students from Tsodilo and Sedie junior secondary schools from Maun. ENDS