02 Mar 2022

Japan has  with about P1 064 98 (US$91.457) for construction of a counselling centre in Mochudi.

The project, the first of its kind in Botswana, will be executed through a grant scheme; Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Ambassador Hoshiyama Takashi of Japan said after signing the contract agreement in Gaborone on Tuesday that the centre would not only impact vulnerable children and youth, but would also protect them as well as help reduce the ever growing crime and unemployment.

Ambassador Takashi said assistance offered to Stepping Stones International came at a time when the eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) would be held in Japan on August 28 and 29 preceded by ministerial meeting scheduled for March 26 and 27.  

He said this affirmed TICAD concept of human security, which sought to advance community building through empowerment and protection of individuals for them to live happily with dignity and free from fear.

He further explained that TICAD was a multilateral and open forum initiated in 1993, in cooperation with United Nations, United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), World Bank and the African Union Commission (AUC).

“It is an open forum where not only African countries, but also international organisations, private companies and civil society organisations participate,” he said.

Executive director of Stepping Stone International, Ms Lisa Jamu, appreciated support from Japan and noted the importance of physiological support to young people who were experiencing mental health issues and social instability.

“We thank you for providing us with funds to support the building and provision of the psychological centre that will help young people of Botswana,” he said.

Secretary to the ambassador, Ms Kitamura Hiroko said there had been recorded cases of negligence, physical and physiological abuse amongst children and youths including issues gender based violence.

“The closing of schools and lockdowns caused by COVID-19 accelerated the situation and Japan chose to assist one of the leading civil society members, Stepping Stone International address the situation,” she said.

Ms Hiroko said through GGP scheme, Japan had supported over 60 projects in Botswana.

“This is in line with aspirations of the Botswana government as envisaged in Vision 2036, particularly under the pillar of human and social development to achieve a moral, tolerant and inclusive society that provides opportunity for all,” she said.  ENDs