12 Sep 2018

Ms Gogontlejang Phaladi of Gogontlejang Phaladi Pillar of Hope Project (GPPHP) has challenged young people in Maun to have input in consultations that contribute to youth policies, strategies and national development.

Speaking at a Youth Dialogue organized by a Maun youth, Mr Leatile Kowa, in partnership with the Gogontlejang Phaladi Pillar of Hope Project in Maun on September 11, she said lack of participation in important policies left young people estranged when such were implemented.

She said it was important to young people to attend all consultation platforms such as kgotla meetings.

Ms Phaladi took the attendants through the Vision 2036 pillars saying it was important for them to familiarise themselves and identify with it.Ms Phaladi who has been a philanthropist from a young age urged youth to have an attitude of volunteerism so to be instrumental individuals adding “one has to have a purpose filled life and be compassionate which will bring a peace of mind knowing you helped someone, but not expecting a thank you,” she said.

She further said it is imperative for youth to change their mind set and utilize all viable opportunities such as social media which some young women are using for marketing purposes.  

She said some individuals are to blame for lack of progress due to failure to utilize opportunities that are not necessarily government or policies.Ms Phaladi also advised young people to have a role in electing representatives and implored young women to play crucial role in politics to improve women representation.

Speaking at the forum Mr Thato Molosi encouraged Maun youth to use the knowledge gained at the youth dialogue to make their own projects or improve their existing ones.He noted that youth as the highest percentage of the population in Botswana and Africa and as such use that to their advantage in harnessing opportunities.

Kgosi Prince Shashe of Shashe ward in Maun appreciated the GPPHP founder for pioneering in advocacy for change as a young woman and said Ms Phaladi has marked her territory amongst greatest women who managed to break the norms in the world just like Mother Teresa, Margret Thatcher and Ellen Johnson. ENDS