03 Feb 2020

African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership (ACHAP), in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development (MYSC), BONELA, BOCAIP and Humana People to People, recently held a workshop to empower girls aged 15-24 years  in Palapye.

The workshop was intended to empower girls on issues of HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gender-based violence (GBV), emotional intelligence and to encourage girls to be independent.

MYSC programme officer, Mr Majoko Majoko, advised girls to strive to be independent and business minded to make their own money to avoid depending on men.

He said the office offered different programmes from which they could benefit and improve their lives.

For his part, BONELA district project officer, Mr Keitumetse Mariri, said cases of abuse were a concern.

He urged girls to always report issues of abuse to their parents, guardians or the police.

Mr Mariri encouraged girls to avoid sexual relations at an early age and emphasised the importance of condom use when engaging in sex and to stay away from abusive relationships.

Peer mentor, Ms Tumisang Tshekiso said the girl-child was vulnerable.

Therefore, she encouraged young girls to always make wise decisions regarding their lives and avoid being involved in relationships for money.

When giving a word of encouragement, Peace Corps volunteer, Ms Sentle Ositelu, urged girls to always be focused.

She encouraged them to have a positive mindset and do their best in whatever they did to excel.

Ms Ositelu said the hard work they exerted to excel would make people recognise their efforts and ultimately help them develop and grow their projects.

Youth Development Fund beneficiary, Ms Roda Moilwa, said as soon as she found out she did not do well in her studies, she went to MYSC offices to apply for a loan to start an internet café.

Ms Moilwa said even though the business had different challenges, she was working hard to make it excel.

She encouraged girls who wanted to start a business to come to her for advice. ENDS