Kesaobaka Pharatlhatlhe Interview
Give us a brief background about yourself
My name is Kesaobaka Pharatlhatlhe, a young lady of 24 years old from Goo-Logaba ward in the Village of Kanye. I hold a Bachelor of Business Science from Monash University in Economics and Marketing and am an aspiring social entrepreneur. I am a Change Agent in the Network of Women Investing in Africa Leadership Programme, Secretary General of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers (Gaborone Hub), Country Focal Point for the Hands Up for HER Campaign (an initiative of Hacey’s Health Initiative) and a recent alumni of the Commonwealth Youth Programme: Discovering Young Leaders Programme 2013.
You have been nominated for the Commonwealth Youth Council – Chairperson. Please tell us more about that and share details of how people can vote for you
Unfortunately only delegates who will be attending the General Assembly in Sri Lanka from the 10th-14th November 2013 will get to vote, 1 vote for each country. The purpose of this campaign is to bring awareness to the Commonwealth Youth Council as it only started this year and also alert the public about my candidacy. However, by virtue of my candidacy people can support my campaign by registering their views on the MY WORLD SURVEY at http://www.myworld2015.org/?partner=CWYouth
I need 2000 respondents from Botswana, as it shows my ability to mobilise people as a leader.
What else do you do?
In partnership with a friend we are working on a proposal that we are intending on presenting to the commonwealth for support, individually I also have a proposal that I have been rallying support for that deals with rural revivement and empowering young women. I am also a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend.
What drives you?
Life!!! Passion for what I do and the level of fulfilment it gives me. I relish in the possibility of finding joy and happiness in the little things I do every day and coming across likeminded young people.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your journey so far and how did you overcome them?
Because most of the work that I do is on a volunteer basis, finances have been a challenge but I am lucky and thankful to have a supportive family and network of people who believe in what I do and support me all the way. Also, changing mindsets, sometimes it is hard to get young people to understand why I choose to do what I do or why getting a job for me is not an ideal i envision (I’ve tried working, and failed… I was just miserable). This journey i believe, God has designed and chosen specifically for me, I’ve found my purpose.
What do you do to relax and take your mind off things?
Read and catch up on current affairs (I am a sponge for information), hang out with friends and an occasional drive.
Who do you look up to?
My dad, I wish I had his character and calm approach to everything. He is very insightful and has a level of wisdom about life. I admire him a lot and hope to find a husband who embodies at least half of his characteristics and qualities.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Owning my own social enterprise and consultancy business, engaged to be married and having travelled and seen most of the world.
What advice would you like to give young people in Botswana?Any final thoughts that you would like to share?
I wish more young people had the courage and guts to pursue their dreams and stop the rat race of being stuck in unfulfilling jobs just for the sake of a salary at the end of the month, we need more dreamers, we need more hustlers and we need more bold young people, your salary in that job is the price you’ve chosen to sell off your dreams.
How can people contact you?
Email:[email protected]
Facebook: Kesa Pharatlhatlhe
Twitter: Kesa1989
