26 Nov 2013

Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo says it is important to help children understand their rights and at the same time, parents should bear in mind the development capacities of children.

Speaking at the launch of Thari Ya Bana: Reflections on Children in Botswana publications, chairperson of the National Children’s Council (NCC), Rev. Moruakgomo said rights and responsibilities were hand in hand and as such, children should understand the consequences that might emanate from their actions.

“I wish to thank the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the University of Botswana (UB) for collaborating to produce this informative and important report,” he said. He said to produce the publication every year, as was the case for the past four years, was something worth celebrating.

“Such publications give us an opportunity to share children centred research and to appreciate challenges that children are facing in this country,” he said.

He further said it was through such partnerships that officials saw the need to conduct relevant research to protect the rights of children and improve their welfare and wellbeing. Rev. Moruakgomo said Thari Ya Bana was a collection of articles on children’s issues, ranging from child survival and development of the child to child rights and policies.

He said contributors to the publication were drawn from UNICEF, UB and other stakeholders. “This publication introduces readers to typical issues and different perspectives relating to children in Botswana,” he said.

He said such efforts needed to be supported either by contributing material for publication or ensuring that the information contained in the publication was dispersed and discussed at different fora to make a long lasting impression and difference in the lives of children in Botswana.

“Research and evidence are critical in guiding policies, programmes and services affecting our children and their families. It is pertinent that we join hands with government to ensure that issues affecting children and young people are adequately addressed and resources allocated to such causes,” said Rev. Moruakgomo.

For his part, acting deputy vice chancellor academic affairs, UB, Professor Yohana Mashalla said the project was funded by UNICEF and the research was mainly carried out by researchers from UB. He said the three main sections in this year’s publication included child development, children’s rights and psychological support for children.

“The publications examine important areas such as violence against children, quality education and models and tools for interventions that address children’s psychological needs,” he said.

Prof. Mashalla further said the publication interrogated, among other things, the causes of some of the challenges that children go through, the impact of such challenges on children, how children and their families could be empowered to overcome the challenges, existing services and strategies and research and policies amongst other things.

“We hope that the publication will also help direct stakeholders’ attention to some of the most critical challenges currently facing children and point the way forward towards constructive ways of addressing the challenges affecting children in our communities,” said Prof. Mashalla. ENDS