27 September, 2021

·       Director of Ceremonies

·       Kgosi Roger Botshelo Lekgothu

·       Hon John Thiite - MP for Gantsi West

·       Deputy Chairperson of National Children’s Council

Ms Desmond Lunga

·       District Commissioner

Mr. Mooketsi Lesetedi                         

·       Director of Social Protection

Mr Joseph Kgabanyane and other Senior Government officials here present

·       Council Secretary: Mr. Dick Kalantle

·       Distinguished Government Officials and Partners

·       Baruti

·       Ladies and Gentlemen

·       Bana

·       Members of  the fourth estate

Director of Ceremonies,

1.0 I feel greatly honoured to be a part of this auspicious moment of reflection in the midst of a pandemic that continues to wreak havoc in all spheres of human life at both Country and Global level. This occasion presents an opportunity to combine our efforts towards building resilience through the use of locally-based approaches, indigenous knowledge as well as research in the area of Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS).

2.0 This forum is held under the theme “INNOVATE, INTEGRATE, THRIVE”. The theme could not have been more appropriate as we seek new ways through which we can mainstream the pandemic in our daily activities and interventions as service providers, care givers and policy makers to mitigate its impact.  This is a platform for the Government of Botswana and its partners to consolidate efforts to ensure that the provision of mental health and psycho-social support realizes the returns that it has so much potential for; be it at the home, community or across all service areas.

Director of Ceremonies,

3.0 This Regional Forum bears testimony to the commitment of the Government of Botswana towards facilitating stakeholders, to play a leading role in the identification, prioritization, planning and implementation of community based MHPSS activities for the benefit of the most vulnerable among us, especially people with disabilities, old aged, children and youth.

4.0 Through the partnerships that we have with our Civil Society, at both Village and Districts, national and international levels; structures have been set up for engagement of communities and coordination of child wellbeing activities in order to continue to influence and mobilize action.

5.0 At the national level, the Children’s Act has provided for the establishment of the National Children’s Council whose core mandate is to coordinate, advocate and mobilize resources for the implementation of children’s’ activities.

6.0    Distinguished Guests ,

I am pleased to inform you that significant strides have been made in terms of creating mutual partnerships that seek to facilitate optimal functioning of children, their families and communities. At the centre of this, is the implementation of various methodologies aimed at facilitating self-sustenance through life skills empowerment, economic empowerment initiatives, and provision of psycho-social support and establishment of community based initiatives. Furthermore, we have developed some standard tools and manuals that guide stakeholders in the provision of MHPSS.

7.0    Director of Ceremonies,

We are all aware of the devastation that the     COVID-19 epidemic has caused in our economies and its people here and globally. One of its adverse effects is the increasing number of deaths which has a direct bearing on the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), nationally. 

8.0    Furthermore, the overstretched resources are not able to meet the increased demand for services, some of which require retooling of the available human resources.  As you might be aware, Parliament has just approved a Supplementary budget, the bulk of which will be channeled towards services and resources needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

9.0    Bagaetsho,

This pandemic has reversed many of the gains that the country had made because greater investment has to be channeled towards the management, treatment as well as mitigation of the impact of the pandemic. The need to coordinate interventions and stakeholders so as to safeguard this huge investment has therefore never been more urgent.  This is why we have recently witnessed introduction of the Reset Agenda by His Excellency the President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.  He called for reprioritisation and actually put fighting the pandemic at the top of list.  This is basically meant to save Batswana from dying by rechanneling funding to services needed to mitigate COVID-19 impact and damage to the economy.

10.0 Director of Ceremonies,

 We are all aware of the role that the family plays in child upbringing. The challenges associated with the current situation have, however compromised the ability of families to effectively take up this important role. Many families are struggling with poor mental health due to depression, grief and other factors. In this connection, household incomes are compromised due to loss of jobs, and there is a marked increase in incidences of chronic illnesses and related factors. This therefore calls for interventions that target families to support them towards improved psycho-social wellbeing, to ensure sustainability and lifelong benefits for children.   

11.0 Bagaetsho,

We need to change our mindset and refrain from taking children just as subjects of protection. They are in themselves agents of change. Our children are equipped with numerous abilities and skills, which range from intellectual and emotional intelligence, creativity, resilience and other internal skills to find appropriate ways of meeting their needs. We must therefore continuously engage them as we grapple with these issues for which they bear the greatest brunt. We must equip them with skills to enhance their resilience, development and indeed some sense of wellbeing, for they are the drivers of sustainable development, even beyond the pandemic.

12.0 Director of Ceremonies,

 Reports have shown an increase in violence against children and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during different lockdown measures. For example, in just one month (March-April 2020) during lock-down period, the Botswana Police Service recorded 80 cases of offences against children (0-18 years). Most of these reported matters were sexual offences, with defilement leading at 46/80 followed by rape at 27/80 respectively. During the same period, Gender-Based Violence cases escalated necessitating admission of 67 persons at Gender Based Violence Prevention and Support Centre shelters. Majority of these were women (65) with 37 children accompanying them.

13.0 Bagaetsho,

  I note with satisfaction that this Forum was preceded by a preconference meeting which was attended by children representing various interest groups. I must appreciate such noble efforts because through them, we are able to provide children a very rare platform for sharing their issues and identifying solutions as partners. This is in line with the UN Convention of the Right of the Child (UNCRC) principle of engaging children in matters that affect their wellbeing.

14.0 Director of Ceremonies,

        Allow me, to conclude my remarks by acknowledging the partners that have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this Forum. Regional Psycho-Social Support Initiative (REPSSI) has showed the faith that it has in its Botswana partners by initiating this dialogue with MHPSS stakeholders. The momentum has since been maintained and Project Concern International, Marang Child Care Network Trust and the Department of Social Protection have been working round the clock to mobilise other partners as well and resources to facilitate all important Forum.

        I further wish to express my sincere gratitude to the children who have participated in the pre - session for the invaluable insight that they have shared.   This should surely make our planning work much simpler and my prayer is to action and actualize their interventions.  I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to the National Children’s Council for its tireless efforts on matters that affect children.

15.0 Finally, Director of Ceremonies, Distinguished Guests, I acknowledge all Development Partners, Government representatives and partners from Civil Society. We could never have made it without your support.  We have all been charged with the huge responsibility of ensuring a more prosperous, caring and peaceful future through bringing up tomorrow’s leaders. Now is the time to DO JUST THAT.

16.0 Director of Ceremonies,

  I look forward to receiving the outcomes of this forum.  With these few remarks, I now have the singular honour to declare this Southern Regional Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Forum officially opened.

17.0 I thank you for kind attention.