23 Jan 2025

The first-ever Teen Summit, a transformative two-day event designed to empower teenagers and their parents, is set to take place February 8-9 in Gaborone.

Organised by Authentic Lifestyle in collaboration with Suero Consulting, the summit aims to bridge communication gaps between teens and their parents while equipping young people with vital skills to thrive both personally and professionally.

Speaking in an interview, Nana Kgosidialwa, one of the event organisers who is a counselor and life coach, shared that the event would feature interactive panel discussions, motivational talks by some of Botswana’s impactful youth, and sessions on holistic living, digital safety, and financial literacy for teenagers.

“On Day 2, parents will benefit from practical strategies to improve communication with their teens, understand developmental needs, and navigate the complexities of the digital age,” she said.

Highlighting the summit’s objectives, Kgosidialwa stated that attendees would gain invaluable tools, including budgeting and saving techniques, entrepreneurship basics, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills.

The event will feature expert speakers, including psychologists, financial professionals, youth mentors, and industry leaders, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all participants. Kgosidialwa revealed that the summit expected a turnout of 200 teenagers and 150 parents, with sponsorships and group discounts available for schools, families, and other groups to ensure affordability.

“So far, 70 people have registered, and tickets are available at Maru-a-Pula School from 12 noon to 2pm on weekdays,” she said.

This initiative marks the beginning of what organisers hope will become an annual event, with future plans to expand the summit to rural areas and international locations. ENDS