In a significant move to strengthen police-community relations and combat gender-based violence (GBV), a group of police officers was empowered with crucial skills to better interact with children and foster trust in their communities. This empowerment took place during a five-day workshop held at the Botswana Police College from November 18 to 22, 2024.
The closing ceremony, held on November 22, featured Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Goitseone Ngono, the Director of the Gender and Child Protection Branch, who emphasized the importance of equipping police officers with innovative tools to address challenging situations involving children. She explained that the workshop’s focus on using arts and drama techniques would help officers form meaningful relationships with children, particularly those who may feel neglected or misunderstood.
“The training provided our officers with new methods of engagement, which is crucial in situations where children may not feel comfortable speaking to adults,” said Ms. Ngono. “By integrating arts and drama, we are creating a more approachable environment for children to express themselves and share their experiences.”
The programme, designed to enhance officers’ ability to interact effectively with children, particularly in cases involving gender-based violence, also aimed to equip them with tools for managing the emotional and psychological challenges of their roles. Police officers often deal with tense and difficult situations, and the training was intended to support their emotional well-being while simultaneously improving their ability to handle sensitive cases, such as those involving children who have experienced abuse or violence.
Ms. Ngono further commended Stepping Stone International for its pivotal role in organizing the workshop. She recognized their dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and praised their continued collaboration with UK partners, which has contributed to the successful execution of the programme.
Emma Mills, a representative from Circle International Arts & Drama Therapy (CIADT), who was involved in conducting the course, explained that the training was specifically designed to help officers engage with traumatized children. She highlighted the therapeutic benefits of using arts as a medium for communication, stating that these techniques can stimulate the prefrontal cortex of the brain, making it easier for children to relax and open up.
“By using creative resources, such as arts and drama, we’re enabling officers to help children feel more comfortable, making it easier for them to share their stories,” said Ms. Mills. “This approach is vital in building trust, especially for children who may have experienced trauma or who have previously struggled to communicate their feelings.”
Through this training, police officers are better prepared to build strong, trusting relationships with young people in their communities while addressing the critical issue of gender-based violence. The programme stands as a significant step toward creating safer environments for children and empowering those responsible for their protection.
