Described as a place of hope, empowerment and enrichment, the Komowanko Life Coaching Center was officially launched by Her Excellency First Lady of the Republic of Botswana Mrs Neo Jane Masisi at an event held in Rakops yesterday.
She explained that the Life Coaching center was built with a vision to be a one stop shop center where one can get empowered on life skills. She urged the promised valuable resources of lay counselors by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to let capacitate them to have the skills to be life coaches in its totality as elders in the village.
First Lady explained that the Life Coaching Center was envisioned during her Gender Based Violence on women and children in 2021. She indicated that the campaign realised that GBV directly and indirectly affects families, the community and the country’s developments. As a result and her advocacy voice which was heard loudly, saw Government increasing resources to fight GBV in courts,Botswana Police Service as they embraced the “Leave no one behind” – a commitment by international organisation and the country in its Vision 2036.
She noted that she was filled with gratitude that during her engagements with different targeted groups to identify their role in the fight against GBV, she is getting feedback of different initiatives across the country that are underway.
Mrs Masisi said the Life Coaching Center is about changed mindsets upon interaction with it. She applauded Bahumagadi Ba Boteti for targeting Dikgosi as their leadership in a workshop themed “Re Feela Malapa” powered by Men Sector and Lucara and District social workers with the objective to clean up their own houses first and make sure that they have common understanding on issues of GBV.
She further thanked the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) representatives for having found time to visit the country to appreciate the work done with their assistance. She said their support allowed her to transverse the country advocating against GBV.
Her wish now is for the center to have wifi and an internet cafe to allow for increased knowledge and assistance to the youth. She also urged MLGRD to find networking opportunities either with government departments or NGOs that can help empower the women in financial literacy amongst other issues.
On her part, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Mamikie Kamanakao explained that cabinet has passed the National Social Protection Framework. Through this framework, Government is committed to streamlining social services, providing inclusive and shock responsive social protection services.
She stated that in 2013 through a consultancy by World Bank, Batswana indicated that they wished to be empowered instead of being given donations when in need. She said the Komawanko Life Coaching Center is part of the Ministry’s pillar which talks to building resilient and economical empowered communities. She noted that an amount of P385 000 was given to Komowanko women to continue with their developments at the center through Boteti District Council. She further explained that to allow for continuity and sustainability, all the women will be paid Ipelegeng rate as incentive as a safety net until the center becomes self sustaining.
Ms Kamanakao pleaded with men to stand up and provide parental guidance to the boys in the community in the absence of their biological fathers. She said it was very worrying that cases are reported about fathers who are supposed to be their children’s protectors, turning to be their murderers.
She however indicated that lay counselors who are elders in the village will be availed to assist the resident Social Workers and address the cultural issues which may occur. The Department is intending to replicate the Komowanko model in other settlements and other Districts to fight social ills in communities.
Komowanko Deputy Chairperson explained that komowanko was established in 2014 initiated by MmaLekgetho with a P10 membership fee. The group had one hand sewing machine when they met MmaMasisi in 2021. With her efforts they got assisted by Diacore at the tune of P100 000 and Lucara donated P200 000 which made it possible to renovate a dilapidated government house there were given with the assistance of the District Commissioner. The Center currently has three sections inside the house – a sewing room with machines, furnished catering room and a Counseling room with a qualified resident social worker.
