As Botswana joined the global community to commemorate the Day of the African Child on Tuesday, renewed concerns emerged that poverty, lack of clean water, poor sanitation, truancy, and teenage pregnancy continue to jeopardise children’s rights and wellbeing in the Okavango District.
The commemoration, held in Shakawe under the theme “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Every Child in Okavango”, brought together government officials, children, and various stakeholders to reflect on local structural challenges and the urgent need to safeguard children’s rights.
District Child Protection Committee chairperson Gaehetswe Maphakwane painted a worrying picture of the situation, describing the Okavango District as one of the poorest in the country.
Maphakwane stated that pervasive poverty remains a primary obstacle, with numerous families struggling to provide adequate food and basic necessities. She revealed that 3,941 individuals currently benefit from the destitute programme through the Social and Community Development office, a statistic she said reflects the severe poverty levels across the district.
“This leads to children’s rights being violated because many children suffer from hunger and do not have access to nutritious food,” Maphakwane said.
According to Maphakwane, systemic poverty directly contributes to malnutrition-related illnesses among children, severely hindering their growth and development. She noted that the district council continues to provide crucial support through mobile clinics and other interventions targeted at improving access to health services.
Another critical concern raised during the event was the lack of access to clean, safe water in several communities. Maphakwane noted that some children are forced to fetch water directly from rivers for household use and consumption, exposing them to severe health risks.
“Children have a right to good health, nutritious food, and access to safe drinking water,” she emphasised.
She also highlighted school truancy as a growing crisis in the region, noting that some learners frequently miss classes without valid reasons. This trend results in poor academic performance and increased school dropout rates.
Maphakwane warned that children who stay away from school are highly vulnerable to becoming involved in alcohol and substance abuse, drug trafficking, and risky sexual behaviour.
Furthermore, she noted that teenage pregnancy remains a persistent challenge in the district, exposing young girls to gender-based violence and serious reproductive health complications while derailing their education and future prospects.
Maphakwane also expressed concern over the lack of proper parental care, stating that some children are left in the custody of elderly relatives while parents spend long hours away from home. This dynamic leaves children highly vulnerable to neglect and abuse. She urged parents, communities, and relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to protect children and ensure their rights are respected and upheld.
Outlining the objectives of the day, Okavango District Council Deputy Council Secretary Michael Israel said the commemoration seeks to inspire children to stand up for their rights and amplify their voices. He explained that the event also aims to encourage governments, communities, and individuals to work together to ensure that every African child has access to quality education, healthcare, protection, and a safe living environment.
He concluded that the annual commemoration promotes social inclusion, strengthens institutional accountability on child-related issues, and mobilises resources and commitments towards building child-responsive systems.
