04 Oct 2018

Kgosi Mosadi Seboko of Balete has challenged communities to use dikgotla to address societal issues contributing to social ills in their respective areas.

Giving a keynote address at the swearing in of 89 Peace Corps volunteers (19th group) at Molepolole Institute of Health Science on October 3, following their 11 weeks of training, Kgosi Seboko said it was through kgotla meetings that ideas could be exchanged to address pertinent societal issues.

She insisted it was the responsibility of communities, urging all to become role players and not spectators in making a difference in the lives of individuals.   

“Our nation is seriously challenged by social ills due to high indulgence of young people in unbecoming behaviours that are also evident in some families, making them dysfunctional,” she said.

She further regretted the increasing ills among communities, saying they require to be confronted holistically and therefore the presence of the Peace Corps Volunteers can be of great benefit if ‘we allow them to be part of us and understand challenges the nation is facing’.

Kgosi Mosadi emphasised the need to take advantage of the Peace Corps programme by coming up with strategies that may be used to help root out social ills currently gaining momentum in societies

She challenged communities to come up with ways on how best volunteers in their respective villages can help in addressing the ‘appalling state of affairs’.

She acknowledged the immense contribution the American government has made to have the current Botswana, adding that it was through their support that the country succeeded in various spheres.

“We are hopeful that through the continuing support of the US government through Peace Corps programme, the nation will be able to advance more in areas of education, health and others where volunteers will be assigned to serve,” Kgosi Mosadi said.

She urged communities to allow the volunteers to understand challenges facing the nation and provide strategies that may help address such.

Ms Elizabeth O’Malley, country director Peace Corps Botswana, assured Batswana of the ability of the 89 volunteers as they previously served in various capacities back in the US as well as abroad.

She expressed gratitude for the cooperation they continue to enjoy from Botswana, especially from the ministries of Health and Wellness, Local Government and Rural Development, Basic Education as well as NACA.

“We appreciate the efforts of our partner organisations to prepare suitable living and working environment for the soon to be volunteers,” said Ms O’Malley.

Ms Kali Jones, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy, said the commitment and dedication of Peace Corps volunteers was highly commendable looking at the fact that they have suspended their lives and left families to make a difference across the world.

“Through your service, you have a tremendous opportunity to dispel myths and build bridges between American and Batswana,” Ms Jones stated.

Mr Heskiah Chezuba, on behalf of Institute of Health Sciences  principal, said their partnership with the Peace Corps had benefitted the institution through erection of automated water tanks in academic blocks and students’ hostels, thus addressing water challenges that for a long time affected operations.

Mr Chezuba further said amidst challenges that the institution previously encountered, no complaints were ever received, but instead innovative ideas aimed at addressing water situation in the institution were brought forth.  

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Kgari III commended Peace Corps volunteers for their dedication, commitment and devotion to serve the people of Botswana.

He expressed hope that the swearing in of the volunteers marked yet another chapter where communities would start to benefit from their services through positive influence on the lives of individuals. ENDS