The Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) facilitated the training of Village Child Protection Committees (VCPCs) from Ghanzi Township and its settlements (Dkar, Kuke, Qabo, Kcajae, West Hanahai, East Hanahai, Chobokwane, Grootlaagte, Tsootsha, and Bere).
The training brought together over 100 participants including traditional leaders, social workers, teachers, police officers, officers from the Civil and National Registration, and civil society organizations all committed to strengthening the district’s child protection systems.
Anchored in the Botswana’s Children’s Act, the sessions covered critical areas such as: Prevention of Child abuse, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Nutrition, Education, Child maintenance, Human Trafficking , Sharing of community experiences.
In addition, BRCS delivered a specialized module on Child Protection during Disasters and Emergencies and introduced participants to the online referral directory developed by BRCS to support timely reporting, referrals, and service provision.
Together, we continue building a safer Botswana for every child. ENDS
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The Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) convened government, civil society, and international partners for a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on developing a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Foundation Course curriculum. This initiative comes at a critical time, as Botswana continue to face floods, droughts, pandemics, and the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV). These emergencies leave not only visible damage but also deep psychological scars, reminding us of that mental health and psychosocial support are central to true recovery.
By shaping a context-specific PFA curriculum, stakeholders aim to equip frontline responders and volunteers with the skills to provide timely, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care. Speaking on behalf of the Secretary General Ms. Neo Mogowa the Head of Programmes Health, emphasized: “At the Botswana Red Cross, we believe that when disasters strike, true resilience begins with the courage to comfort, the will to listen, and the power to stand together.” She highlighted that disaster response and recovery plans must prioritize continued, consistent, and context-specific mental health and psychosocial support. ENDS
The Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS), in collaboration with UNICEF Botswana and the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Botswana, has handed over the “Protecting Children and Families Affected by Floods” project to the Ghanzi community a milestone in post-flood recovery that blends humanitarian support, local empowerment, and sustainable development.
Restoring Play and Supporting Education
To provide safe spaces for children to engage in sports and recreation. Football, volleyball, and netball kits were supplied in line with the Government’s school sports resuscitation programme. Outdoor game boards for Chess, Mhele, and the traditional game of Ludo were co-created with communities, reinforcing cultural connection and shared ownership.
Enhancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
The project installed 89 water dispensers, new handwashing stations, and dustbins to improve hygiene in schools. Construction and painting were carried out by local contractors, with hygiene-themed wall art designed to make the facilities child-friendly and empower the local economy.
Health and Child Protection
Six dedicated volunteers worked in boarding facilities to promote health and hygiene, teaching safe food handling, personal hygiene, and environmental cleanliness.
In villages and farms, 4,544 mosquito nets were distributed to protect 655 children under five and 112 pregnant women from malaria.
“This project is about more than recovery it’s about creating safe, healthy, and empowering spaces where children can learn, play, and thrive,” said BRCS SG & CEO, Dr. Kutlwano Mukokomani.ENDS
