‘Play With Purpose’ turns focus on autism
staff writer | Monday May 11, 2026 06:00
Hosted at the Stanbic Bank Botswana Golf Club, the event was the vision of Melissa Modise, a devoted mother of two whose personal journey has become the driving force behind a growing movement.
Speaking after the event, she reflected on both the emotional and practical motivations behind the initiative, sharing how her eldest son’s autism diagnosis reshaped her understanding of support, access, and the realities many families face.
“For me, this is not just an event. It is our lived experience,” she explained. “As a mother, I have seen how early diagnosis and intervention can completely change a child’s development path. But I have also seen how many families are locked out of that opportunity because of cost, lack of services, or simply not knowing where to begin.”
She emphasised that while global research consistently highlights the importance of early intervention in improving long-term outcomes, Botswana still faces significant gaps in accessibility. According to Modise, these gaps leave many families navigating a complex and often overwhelming system without adequate support.
“Not every family is fortunate enough to access the help they need,” she said. “This event was created to raise awareness, educate the community, and create a space where people can begin to understand autism beyond the surface. But importantly, it was also about raising funds that can directly support families and give children a fighting chance,” she added.
The concept of 'Golf With a Twist' proved to be both innovative and impactful. Rather than hosting a traditional golf day, the event introduced a series of experiential challenges designed to simulate some of the realities faced by individuals on the autism spectrum. Participants moved through the course, encountering silent holes that removed verbal communication, sensory challenge holes filled with overwhelming noise and distractions, and problem-solving exercises that required adaptability and patience.
Reflecting on the experience, Modise noted that the players' response exceeded expectations.
“People didn’t just play golf; they engaged. They asked questions, they reflected, and they connected with the purpose behind each challenge. That was exactly what we hoped to achieve.”
Adding his perspective, Nlume Modise, a member of the organising committee, husband to Modise and father to their seven-year-old autistic child, echoed the significance of the day while highlighting the broader societal implications. For him, the event was not only successful in raising funds but also in initiating conversations that have long been overdue.
“As part of the organising committee, we are incredibly grateful to every golfer, sponsor, partner, and volunteer who supported the event,” he said. “The turnout alone, with more than 90 players, was a powerful statement. Raising over P50,000 in such a short space of time shows what can happen when people come together around a shared purpose.”
However, beyond the numbers, Nlume stressed that the most impactful moments were the personal stories shared throughout the day and during the evening programme. According to him, these testimonies revealed just how widespread the challenges surrounding autism are, as well as how deeply connected many people are to the cause.
“What stood out for me was realising how many people in that room had personal ties to autism,” he explained. “It may not always be visible, but the reality is that this affects far more families than we often acknowledge. The misconceptions are still there, the stigma is still there, and that is why conversations like these are so important.”
Speaking candidly about his own experience as a father, Nlume described the journey of raising an autistic child as both deeply rewarding and undeniably challenging. He highlighted the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens that many caregivers carry, often without sufficient support systems.
“The road is long, it is challenging, it can be confusing, and it is very costly,” he said. “As parents, you are constantly trying to give your child the best possible chance at independence and inclusion in society. But without the right structures in place, that journey becomes much harder than it needs to be.”
He further emphasised the importance of moving beyond awareness into action, calling for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach that includes policymakers, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders.
“What we need now is not just awareness, but alignment,” he added. “We need a roadmap that brings everyone together to make this journey shorter, clearer, and accessible to all families. That conversation has started, and this event helped spark it.”
The evening programme served as a powerful extension of the day’s activities, creating a platform for deeper engagement and dialogue. Guided by Kennedy Thal and Palesa Molefe, the session brought together voices from across the autism community, including representatives from Autism Botswana and parents who shared their personal journeys. The overwhelming level of participation meant the programme ran over time, with attendees eager to contribute and ask questions.
“People were not ready to leave the conversation,” Modise mentioned. “That level of engagement shows that there is a real desire to learn and to be part of the solution.”
For both Modise and Nlume, the success of the event lies not only in what was achieved on the day but in the momentum it has created moving forward. They both expressed optimism about the initiative's future, with plans to expand its reach and impact in the coming years.
Nlume shared a similar sentiment, emphasising that the event has laid the foundation for continued advocacy and collaboration.
“This is how change begins,” he said. “With a conversation, with a shared experience, and with a willingness to act.”
They also highlighted the critical role of sponsors, volunteers, and community members in bringing the event to life. They expressed deep gratitude for the collective effort that made the day possible, acknowledging that such initiatives depend on the strength of community support.
“All proceeds raised will go directly to supporting the work of Autism Botswana”. “That means more resources, more outreach, and more support for families who need it most.”
In reflecting on the day, Modise returned to the core message behind Play With Purpose: whilst the event included competition, prizes, and celebration, its true success was measured by impact.
“We hope everyone enjoyed their day and celebrated the winners,” she said. “But ultimately, we all won. We created awareness, we started conversations, and we made a difference together.”
Nlume concluded with a forward-looking perspective, reinforcing the importance of sustaining the momentum generated by the event. “The spark has been lit,” he said. “Now it is up to all of us to keep it burning and turn it into lasting change.”
As the sun set on a day marked by empathy, learning, and unity, one message stood clear: Play With Purpose is more than a golf day. It is the beginning of a broader movement, one that seeks to challenge perceptions, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive future for individuals with autism and their families in Botswana.