16 Jun 2026

First Lady Kaone Boko, has called on Bahumagadi to help tackle challenges facing children, saying their involvement is essential to the success of the Mpepu Programme.

Ms Boko made the appeal while responding to dikgosi after updating the  Ntlo Ya Dikgosi on Mpepu initiative.

Derived from the cultural practice of securely carrying a child on the back while a mother works, Mpepu reflects care, protection, responsibility and constant presence. The concept ensures that a child is never abandoned, never left behind, and always held safely close.

The programme has two strategic pillars: Early Childhood Development and Child Protection.

Under the Early Childhood Development, the focus is on maternal and infant care, nutrition and learning disabilities. While Child Protection focuses on positive parenting, positive masculinity and femininity as well as child-friendly environments.

These priority areas, she said influenced a child’s development and future contribution to society, making them essential for securing Botswana’s future.

She stressed that the programme’s success does not rely on government alone saying it required engagement from families, communities, traditional leadership, civil society and development partners.

“We seek your wisdom on how these priorities can be implemented in ways that are culturally acceptable, community-owned and sustainable. We seek your guidance on what will work in our villages, and how traditional leadership structures can be strengthened to support this vision,” she said.

The First Lady added that the partnership would help shape a Botswana where every child had the opportunity to thrive.

In response, dikgosi applauded the First Lady’s focus on children’s well-being and urged her to work directly with their spouses ; Bahumagadi.

Kgosi Esau Molehele of the Ghanzi region appealed to the First Lady to include their spouses and collaborate with them on the programme. He suggested the Office of the

First Lady  to consider establishing village committees involving the spouses of dikgosi to better address challenges children faced.

Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa echoed the call, saying the role of their spouses would further enhance Mpepu. He called for building networks across villages to develop the initiative.

Kgosi Gaborone also appealed for social and mental health growth to be incorporated into the programme to build resilient and emotionally available children better equipped to face life challenges in a society increasingly affected by mental health issues. ENDS