Efforts to protect some of Botswana’s most vulnerable children have reached a critical point, as economic pressures threaten the sustainability of a key youth support organisation in the North West. During a recent Open Day held in Maun, Bana Ba Letsatsi leadership and beneficiaries issued an urgent appeal for community support to help expand their services and secure the future of the children they serve.
Executive Director Taboka Rotsi reflected on the organisation’s journey from humble beginnings driven by a passion for child welfare to becoming a vital support system for young people in the region. However, the organisation now faces mounting financial strain, with about 80 percent of its funding linked to the tourism industry. Rising fuel costs and broader regional economic challenges have made it increasingly difficult to maintain and grow support for high-risk students.
At the centre of the organisation’s expansion plans is the proposed construction of a Safe House, estimated to cost around P1 million. The centre currently provides educational support for children from as young as three years old through to Standard 7, supported by dedicated staff and volunteer teachers from government schools. Despite these efforts, there is no residential facility for children who are victims of abuse or those in immediate danger. The Safe House would provide a secure environment and enable the organisation to reach more children in need of protection and stability.
Beneficiaries shared personal testimonies highlighting the impact of the programme. Rozalia Gaobonwe, who joined Bana Ba Letsatsi at the age of five, spoke about her journey to academic success and her current studies under the Leapotswe scholarship. She credited the organisation for providing the stability that helped her succeed. Another beneficiary, Jabulani, described how support from the centre helped him move off the streets and earn a certificate in aircraft mechanics, breaking the cycle of poverty.
The appeal comes as national attention is focused on other pressing challenges, including the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak that has placed pressure on government resources. Bana Ba Letsatsi is urging the community to recognise the importance of investing in the wellbeing of children and to support efforts to strengthen facilities and expand services.
Rotsi emphasised that the organisation’s continued success depends on community involvement and investment, calling on the public to help strengthen the support network that enables vulnerable children to access safety, education and opportunity.
