04 Nov 2021

 Some stakeholders in Ngamiland have welcomed the implementation of the foster care programme in the region, saying it will help address challenges faced by vulnerable children. 

They said the programme would accord children the opportunity to be properly raised in a family setting, enhance their well-being and ensure they enjoy their rights. Stakeholders expressed these views during a foster care stakeholder workshop organised by Childline Botswana, in collaboration with the Department of Social Services (DSS). 

The workshop, which attracted traditional and political leaders, social workers, non-governmental organisations dealing with children related issues, was aimed at facilitating the district to develop a foster care plan and implement it for the best interest of the child. 

Participants noted that children had been struggling with several challenges related to health, development, education, abuse, sexual exploitation, neglect, and hunger, among others, and believed that the foster care programme would provide an answer. 

Shelter manager from Women Against Rape (WAR), which offers shelter and psychosocial support to women and children mainly survivors of gender based violence, Ms Gofileone Samakabadi thanked Childline Botswana and DSS for rolling out the programme in the region, noting that they had long called for its implementation.

 She urged other stakeholders to work as a collective for the success of the programme.

 Chief social and development officer from North West District Council, Ms Kebalepile Horatius concurred that the programme was a welcome development as the region faced a serious challenge of abandoned and neglected children, with no relatives willing to look after them. 

The programme, she said, would help children to secure safer places called home, adding that the program came at the right time as the district lacked places of safety, especially in the Okavango sub district. 

“This programme will play a big role in the upbringing of children as it will help them make more successful transition to adulthood and increase their chances of personal fulfilment and economic self-sufficiency,” she added Ms Horatius revealed that the council was assisting 14 647 children; made up of 5504 destitute, 504 needy students, 937 in need of care, 2882 Remote Area Dwellers, while 438 were living in hostels at Xakao, Nxaunxau and Kareng villages to be close to school. 

In addition, she said they had 24 children placed in institutions such as SOS in Serowe, Lorato House and WAR shelter in Maun. 

She attributed their placement to absent parents, as some were abandoned, some were neglected while some had psychiatric challenges. She also stated that poverty issues also contributed, as the district was one of the most poverty stricken, hence registering high numbers of destitute persons.

Childline Botswana coordinator, Mr Olebile Machete explained that the law provided for the foster care programme upon realisation that many children were in need of care. The programme, he said, was the best alternative to cater for their needs and urged stakeholders to work collectively for its success. 

Mr Machete stated that their role was to facilitate the district in playing its part to upscale the programme. 

He added that its success depended on a number of factors such as developing an implementation plan. 

“We are here to provide a platform for you as stakeholders to reflect on issues peculiar to your area, reflect on roles of duty bearers and also to learn from Kweneng district which has successfully piloted the programme,” he added. 

Mr Machete emphasised the need for stakeholders to understand their role towards smooth implementation of the programme. Participants were also drilled on process, recruitment and tools of the foster care programme. Ends