08 Dec 2019

District Children’s Consultative Forums are critical for attaining complete child protection platforms, the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Mr Eric Molale has said. Speaking at the fifth National Children’s Forum  held in Maun recently, Mr Molale implored the children in attendance from across the country to ensure their district forums were operational.

Mr Molale said the district consultative forums were a platform for children to help their peers address the predicaments they faced, noting that the forums empowered the young people with skills to overcome challenges.

He observed that the forums were also a voice for young people to share their views with the government and relevant stakeholders, making them a part of democracy.

The Minister said that the government of Botswana valued children and would ensure protection of children at all costs with the availability of frameworks as the Children’s Act and international agreements Botswana was party to.

He also noted that even traditionally, Botswana had norms that guarded the safety and proper upbringing of children.

Further, Mr Molale said parents ought to learn to appreciate and nurture their children’s talents and that children must make parents understand their area of interests as well. 

In his welcome remarks, North West District Assistant Commissioner Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe said the government of Botswana held issues of child protection in high regard.

Mr Gaborekwe said that was evidenced by laws on children’s rights and protection put in place in the countryas well as the role played by Non-Governmental Organisations.

He observed that the National Consultative Children’s Forum had attracted children from all the 16 districts from around the country. He therefore advised the children in attendance to use the forum positively for empowerment and networking as intended. The Outgoing Chairperson National Consultative Children’s Forum, Ms Lone Tshubang said the forum aimed to ensure that children were placed at the center in decision making.Ms Tshubang also encouraged children to exercise responsibility while pursuing inclusivity. ENDS