25 Jul 2013

Francistown South constituency had a total of eight destitute persons who exited the destitution programme in the last two years, Parliament has been told.

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Tshireletso Botlogile said out of this number, five destitute persons are deceased while three were repatriated from Francistown South constituency.

Ms Tshireletso explained that 13 destitute persons have graduated from the programme as they are engaged in the Ipelegeng programme on a non-rotational basis. Furthermore, the minister stated that a total of 67 orphans have graduated from the Orphan Care Programme and that out of this figure, 32 are still at senior secondary schools and are assisted as needy students while 24 are at Marapong Brigade.

She said 11 failed Form Five and are engaged as volunteers under the Botswana AIDS Prevention Support Programme for a one year renewable contract and are given an allowance of 1 500 per month. Ms Tshireletso said her ministry does not deregister orphans from the Orphan Care Programme, but they exit the programme upon attaining the age of 18.

She said when they reach the age of 18 years they are treated as needy students until they complete their studies. She explained that those who cannot be absorbed by tertiary institutions are referred to other government programmes, including youth empowerment programmes. Regarding destitute persons, she explained that they either graduate or exist the programme due to varied reasons such as having found employment.

Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had asked the minister the number of orphans and destitute persons who were deregistered from counci assistance in the Francistown South Constituency in the last two years. ENDS