Staff Writer
Botswana’s First Lady, Kaone Boko has commended the private sector for its continued commitment towards advancing children’s rights and inclusivity in the country.
Speaking yesterday morning at the UNICEF Botswana Private Sector Forum for Child Rights, Boko praised business leaders for the progress made since pledging P13 million towards programmes aimed at improving the welfare of children in Botswana. She said the partnership between the private sector and child-focused organisations has already yielded positive results through initiatives that support early childhood learning, as well as youth and adolescent empowerment programmes.
Boko noted that Botswana has set an ambitious target of increasing access to early childhood development from 33 percent to 80 percent, describing the goal as critical for the country’s long-term development.
“In investing in children, we are investing in long-term prosperity and building a safer and more inclusive future,” she said.
The First Lady further highlighted digital learning as an important strategy in improving educational outcomes and preparing young people for the future economy. However, Boko cautioned that the country must not neglect the boy child, warning that exclusion and lack of support continue to contribute to behavioural challenges among young boys. She observed that many boys often display violent behaviour as a way of projecting confidence and asserting their presence in society.
She stressed that children should remain at the centre of Botswana’s development agenda and investment priorities, adding that leadership should ultimately be measured by its commitment to improving the lives of children. She also called for stronger partnerships aimed at addressing issues affecting children, including poverty and malnutrition, saying collaborative efforts remain essential in securing a better future for Botswana’s younger generation.
