20 Jun 2023

There is need for intervention to ensure stable and functional families within Kanye and surrounding villages.

This is the observation of Mr Oteng Poloko, Chairperson of the Cloud Orphan Botswana Association, a non- governmental organisation aimed at raising awareness among school-going youth about social issues.

Speaking after the association’s inaugural annual sponsored walk over the weekend, Mr Poloko decried the rising incidences of broken and dysfunctional families in Kanye. He said in some cases, families were headed by elder siblings due to the absence of parents. He said that affected the children being raised in such an environment. Mr Poloko observed that this could be part of the explanation for the rise in crime and youth delinquency being experienced in Kanye.

He said his organisation advocated for functional families as the foundation for a stable society.

“Our mission is to make an impact on the society’s challenges such as gender based violence (GBV), mental health, crime, and unemployment,” he said.

Mr Poloko explained that the walk, which was held under the theme: A walk for Change, was meant to take participants for a walk as therapy, and an opportunity for self-introspection.

He added that the walk was meant to empower the youth to be able to make proper and wise decisions as they would be encountering various challenges on different aspects of life, as well as being an activation for the upcoming youth panel discussion that would address issues such as depression and substance abuse.

Slated for Saturday at Ko Gae Café, the panel discussion will be held under the theme: A talk for Change,.

“We have invited our primary stakeholders comprising mentors and speakers from the police, Social and Community Development Officers, Ministry of Youth Gender, Sports and Culture, Prisons Department, and BOFWA,” he said.

Other speakers include the author of the book titled Cat in the House’ and drug survivor, Mr Tumelo Sebang along with renowned athlete Isaac Makwala and popular former footballer, Dipsy Selolwane. Ends