Loretta Mekgwe spreads love through Art, Service on Valentine’s Day
Staff Writer | Wednesday February 18, 2026 06:12
The initiative was made possible through the support of Bashathi Mathape and the First National Bank Botswana family.
The collaboration created a vibrant and safe creative space where children engaged in Valentine’s card-making, themed colouring activities, and interactive art sessions tailored for learners with disabilities and learning challenges.
As part of her “Acts of Kindness” campaign in celebration of her 40th birthday, Mekgwe, through The Art Lab, donated 11 Setswana colouring books to the school’s prevocational class, supporting culturally grounded and accessible learning materials.
“Love is more than gifts and grand gestures,” said Mekgwe who founded The Art Lab. “It’s about showing up, creating safe spaces for expression, and reminding every child that they matter.”
I Am Special Education Society provides stimulation lessons, self-help skills development, physical education, and basic prevocational training in areas such as home economics, art, and music.
Its work continues to empower learners to build confidence, independence, and practical life skills.
For Mekgwe, the Valentine’s Day visit reflects her broader mission of using art, storytelling, and mindfulness as tools for healing, empowerment, and social change. “This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of creativity to connect people and transform lives,” she added.
“When we invest in our communities, we build a more compassionate future,” she said.
The initiative has since sparked positive engagement on social media, encouraging individuals and organizations to rethink how they celebrate love, shifting the focus toward community impact and meaningful service.
Loretta Mekgwe is a Botswana-based artist, storyteller, and community practitioner whose work centers on mindfulness, cultural preservation, and social impact.
Through The Art Lab, she develops creative programmes, publications, and outreach initiatives that empower individuals, schools, and other institutions across Botswana.