11 Oct 2020

For children to be responsible individuals, they need to be raised in a peaceful environment, North West District commissioner has said.

Speaking during an event to mark the International Day of the Girl Child in Maun on October 9, Mr Keolopile Leipego said parents should shield children from abuse so that they do not copy such.

Mr Leipego raised a concern about the rising number of school dropouts due to teenage pregnancy in Maun pointing out that 20 per cent of pupils had dropped out of school to date since the beginning of the year.

This, he said, was a result of poor parenting by parents who never give advice to their children.

“To raise children who can become future leaders, there should be love and peace in the family,” Mr Leipego said and urged children to respect their parents and stay away from that which can destroy their future.

Kgosi Kealetlile Moremi of Batawana acknowledged the role played by Queen Esther organisation in transforming the lives of children and restoring their dignity.

She said that there was a need to address children on issues such as teenage pregnancy, human trafficking and child abuse so that they could change their attitude and become responsible.

Kgosi Moremi also urged dikgosi to unite in supporting the government and other relevant stakeholders in the fight against child abuse.

For her part, Queen Esther coordinator, Ms Vehae Tjiriange said that the objective of the event was to promote the girl child empowerment and fulfillment of their human rights while also highlighting the challenges that girls all over the world faced.

She said the theme of the event; My Voice, Our Equal Future, was an opportunity to re-imagine a better world inspired by adolescent girls.

Ms Tjiriange said empowering a girl child gave them confidence and the ability to learn new skills, which could improve their future.

She also encouraged children to believe in themselves, speak out and report issues of abuse.

One of the children who participated in the event, Gosenna Tlale appreciated Queen Esther organisation for empowering them and allowing them to grow up responsibly.

She applauded government for playing a pivotal role in the fight against child abuse and gender based violence and challenged relevant stakeholders to do likewise.

Gosenna was concerned that some children faced different forms of abuse that might end up destroying their future. 

The event was a joint effort between Queen Esther, a girl empowerment organisation and Maun Tribal Authority. ends