26 May 2025

 The Praying Mothers Movement will officially launch the book titled, I Am A Good Mother at Enko Botho in Gaborone on May 31.

Also, they will unveil their new faith-based initiative, the Praying Mothers Movement.

The author and founder of the movement, Khumoetsile Magonare said the book was inspired by the realisation that motherhood was often narrowly defined by biological ties.

“I was raised not only by my mother but also by my family, community and teachers. The nurturing I received from these women shaped who I am today,” she explained, noting how she came to value this collective care even more after losing her mother as a teenage girl.

Now, a married woman and mother, she described, I Am A Good Mother, as a heartfelt tribute to all women who poured love into children’s lives, as biological mothers, guardians or teachers.

“The book speaks to the heart of a woman. It’s not only about giving birth, it’s about loving, mentoring and raising children, even if they are not yours,” she said.

Magonare described the book as a ‘war room’ for mothers, a powerful tool designed to empower women in today’s world.

“It’s about reviving the culture of shared responsibility in raising a child. These children will lead our communities one day,” she said.

The book she shared was dedicated to encouraging women to have faith in their roles as mothers while fostering support systems that embraced all children.

 “It helps mothers navigate their roles around children, create positivity and build love, trust, and confidence in the home so that families become safe havens,” said Magonare adding that all mothers were good mothers doing their best despite life’s challenges.

“We are trying to raise our children safely and in healthy environments. We need to affirm ourselves and say: I am a good mother,” she said.

About the Praying Mothers Movement, which took shape during the writing of the book, she said would officially begin its work at the May 31 launch.

“Faith is at the core of both the book and the movement. A mother leads her children toward Christ by being a nurturer of faith and a spiritual guide,” she explained.

The author further highlighted that faith was a crucial driver for sustainable development goals, shaping behaviors and values within families and communities.

“Faith and spirituality influence how we behave, raise children, work, save, and build our communities. The movement is here to support mothers through faith,” she noted.

She further said she observed that today’s motherhood landscape was evolving.

“Research shows that 60 years ago, nearly half of women had their first child before the age of 20. The youth are now the culture-changers, and we must support them with faith-based values,” she said.

Faith, she said, helped shape values that could combat social issues like bullying and violence.

 “It deepens empathy and interconnection within families, schools, and society. That’s how we build sustainable communities,” she added.

Unpacking the heart of the movement she remarked that it aimed to work closely with mothers to nurture strong, healthy families and encourage mothers to reflect and prioritise peace and wellness.

“This is what we need to function as individuals and as families,” she said.

Also she highlighted that the Praying Mothers Movement was open to all women and free to join.

 “Our mission is to host two major events each year at the start and end of the year with online meetings and family visits in between. We’ll set goals, give thanks, and support one another through faith,” she explained

The May 31 launch, she said promised a blessed family day, with inspiring speakers including mothers, guardians, foster parents, and teachers.

She explained also that children were welcome, and there would be free activities for children while guests were encouraged to attend dressed in pink, white, or purple.

“We are building something beautiful for families, for children, for faith,” she concluded. ENDS