09 Oct 2024

Government has made substantial strides in the development of remote areas and aims to  further harmonise social welfare programmes to ensure that basic services reach these communities.

This was said by First Lady Neo Masisi when delivering a keynote address during  the Employment Promotion Pitso organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Gaborone on Tuesday.

Ms Masisi highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing learning and improving the lives of remote area communities. This is being achieved through initiatives such as free early childhood care, education scholarships, employment opportunities, and skills development partnerships.

She said the Pitso was meant to celebrate the milestones that  government had achieved in promoting youth empowerment and socio-economic development within the country’s remote areas emphasising a decade long plan themed: Excellence Towards Equal Opportunities; Bridging the Geographic Margins.”

She urged attendees to continue accelerating efforts in promoting social inclusion and economic empowerment for vulnerable groups in Botswana. The First Lady acknowledged that the success of various programmes hinged on strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector.

Currently, 32 759 students from various educational facilities, including reception classes, daycare centers, and tertiary institutions have accessed essential educational services, she noted.

Furthermore, 24 Remote Area Development Programme (RADP) hostels had accommodated 4 836 students, with 2 274 graduates securing permanent employment and 10 623 engaged in temporary work.

The First Lady expressed gratitude that beneficiaries of the programmes were present at Pitso to share their success stories, illustrating the positive impact of the RADP and Affirmative Action initiatives over the past decade.

“These programmes have significantly increased educational access and training opportunities for children and youth in remote communities, paving the way for many to become successful professionals,” she said.

Ms Masisi encouraged tertiary students to pursue excellence in lifelong learning and advised graduates and employees to shine in their respective fields. She also discussed the government’s Reset, Reclaim,and Transformation Agenda  spearheaded by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, aimed at recalibrating national priorities for sustainable development.

“The reset strategy promotes innovation in government’s economic resilience and social cohesion. In alignment with RADP goals, it enhances support for remote areas, ensuring development reaches those most in need,” she added.

The First Lady affirmed the importance of changing perceptions about remote communities, recognizing their potential and promoting inclusive policies.

Notably, 98.6 per cent of individuals in these settlements now have access to primary education, and 96 per cent have access to health facilities, underscoring the program’s effectiveness. Additionally, Ms Masisi reported a significant increase in housing provision for remote communities, from 200 homes in 2014 to 1 593 today.

Access to housing, she stated, is a crucial indicator of welfare under the RADP Affirmative Action Framework. Ten percent of remote area settlements now feature resource and recreational youth centers, equipped with social welfare officers to facilitate access to training and employment initiatives, such as the Youth Development Fund.

Ms Masisi called on all stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of People Living with Disabilities (PLWD), emphasising that robust execution of the Disability Act of 2024 is vital for the empowerment of this integral segment of society. ENDS