08 Jul 2019

Public integrity is the anchor of growth and through it, true leaders emerge, motivator, Ms Ashley Thaba has said.

She said this when addressing pupils during a public integrity workshop hosted by Botswana Centre of Public Integrity in Gaborone recently.

Ms Thaba said character defined people, therefore, construction of candid character opened doors to positive prospects.

She implored youth to contribute to the country’s development, adding that it could start with aligning one’s principles with the collective values of the society.

She further noted that corrupt practices started from an early age and are dismissed as just bad traits that kids tend to have.

“Once one understands the difference between right and wrong, they must be held accountable for their actions and make genuine amends to rectify the situation,” Ms Thaba said.

Ms Mmadikgomo Letsholo, a teacher at Naledi Senior Secondary School, said the workshop helped mould pupils into responsible citizens.

“Such a workshop helps pupils become great leaders, it gives them an insight of what is happening around them and helps them contribute positively towards the economy. They get to understand current affairs and contribute towards curbing crime and corrupt acts that have crept into our social structure,” she said.

Moreover, she said the workshop helped learners to develop soft skills such as public speaking and networking.

She further noted that the peer to peer education and discussion worked wonders with pupils since they effectively comprehended each other.

Breyton Charles, a pupil at Nanogang Junior Secondary School said the workshop broadened his scope of understanding corruption and its effects on the economy.

“We tend to think of corruption as an act that is only done by adults in high ranking positions but today I got to learn that corruption starts way earlier than that. 

I got to learn that I am in charge of my life and that my choices and character bare results of whether I become a success story or land behind bars” he narrated.

Furthermore he said that he was grateful to be a part of youth that would channel focus into being great leaders and good citizens ENDS