16 Jun 2024

The Orphan Nest organisation’s efforts to improve the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children in Mogoditshane and other areas in Botswana have not gone unnoticed.

Ms Hilda Rakgare, wife of Minister of Youth, Gender Sports and Culture, Mr Tumiso Rakgare commended the organisation during a fundraising dinner at TraveLodge Saturday. 

“Children who find themselves in these situations need to be protected at all levels,” said Ms Rakgare.

The theme: My Education, My Future Identity, she said resonance with her. 

“This theme speaks volumes since not only does it speak to orphans and vulnerable children but to society as a whole,” said Ms Rakgare and emphasised the transformative power of education. 

She stressed the importance of education as a tool to shape children’s identity and future.

Ms Rakgare also underscored the importance of safeguarding the emotional, physical, and mental well-being of the approximately 130 000 orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana, as per the 2019 National Situation Analysis on Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Botswana.

“Government alone cannot afford to take care of these children, and organisations like Orphan Nest are God-sent,” she said, commending the organisation founder and director, Ms Morati Kgari and the organisation for their dedication and impact.

Ms Kgari noted that the organisation was formed in 2018 and launched in 2019 by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, to take care of the needs of orphans. 

Since 2018, Orphan Nest has assisted orphans in over 20 villages. 

“We have adopted children in these villages to address their needs,” she said. 

Ms Kgari also thanked sponsors who had helped the organisation fulfill its mandate of providing orphans with clothes, blankets, stationery, and food, among others

She expressed gratitude to President Masisi for his support, noting that he always supported and donated to Orphan Nest during community work. 

“This initiative has really helped a lot of orphans and given them a sense of belonging in society,” she said. Ends