15 Nov 2025

Children have a right to information concerning developments and should be listened to, so that they can enjoy all their rights without fear.

When things are not done right, they should hold the government accountable so that it delivers on its promises.

First Lady Ms Kaone Boko said during the Regional World Children’s Day dinner she hosted in Gaborone on November 14.

She said government was committed to providing timely reports on the progress made.

Ms Boko called on ministries responsible for children’s welfare to turn promises into actions, stressing the need for implementation and policy changes to align with this year's World Children’s Day theme: My Day, My Rights. From Promise to Action.

Restructuring of the Ministry of Education to include child welfare was a positive development, and now it is time for it to deliver on its promises, Ms Boko said.

Ms Boko highlighted the significance of unity, noting that children learnt from harmonious relationships., making reference to her good rapport with the two former first ladies, Ms Barbra Mogae and Ms Neo Masisi, as well as the Leader of the Opposition’s wife, Ms Dineo Saleshando, who were all present to support a common cause despite belonging to different political parties.

Upon assuming the role of First Lady, Ms Boko said she introduced herself to Ms Mogae, who welcomed her warmly and shared words of wisdom, while Ms Masisi offered valuable pointers.

She also mentioned that Ms Saleshando had always been her pillar of strength.

Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Nono Kgafela-Mokoka acknowledged that a lot still needed to be done, and called for strengthened collective efforts among stakeholders, to foster a conducive environment for children.

Caring for, protecting, and empowering children is a shared responsibility worldwide, Ms Kgafela- Mokoka said.

The Private Sector Forum for Child Rights’ Ms Joy Buno, for her part highlighted the importance of introducing financial literacy into the school curriculum, a development that required no additional funds but policy amendments.

This she said could be made possible with help from businesses, to uplift and empower children.

The event was attended by children from Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, eSwatini, Zambia, and Namibia, in celebration of World Children’s Day. ENDS