Batanani Walk puts child safety at the heart of national agenda
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday August 12, 2026 06:00
Speaking at the eighth Mascom Baatanani Walk on Saturday, Boko said the work of her office through the Mpepu programme was founded on the belief that every child deserved an opportunity to thrive from the very beginning of life.
She said the name Mpepu was drawn from the familiar cultural image of a child being carried securely on a mother’s back, close to her heart, protected, and never left behind.
“It reminds us that the wellbeing of every child is a daily responsibility that calls for our presence, our care, and our unwavering commitment,” she said.
Boko said Mpepu had been established as a national platform to strengthen the foundations upon which children could thrive, with its work anchored on two complementary pillars: Early Childhood Development and Child Protection.
She explained that the early childhood development pillar focused on maternal and infant health, nutrition, early learning, and ensuring that children, including those with developmental and learning challenges, received appropriate care and opportunities.
The child protection pillar, meanwhile, seeks to promote positive parenting, strengthen families, and create environments where children feel safe, valued and protected.
Although the programme is still in its early stages, Boko said it had already demonstrated what could be achieved when children were placed at the centre of the national agenda.
She said Mpepu had brought together government, traditional leadership, development partners, civil society, and the private sector around a shared vision for Botswana’s children.
Through engagements with Ntlo ya Dikgosi, she said, Dikgosi had been invited to help shape child protection solutions rooted in communities and culture.
Boko also highlighted efforts to support vulnerable children, encourage teenage mothers to continue with their education and strengthen partnerships aimed at expanding access to healthcare, early childhood development and specialised support for children with developmental needs.
She said renewed attention had also been placed on the wellbeing of the boy-child, noting that raising confident, respectful, and responsible young men was fundamental to building safer families and communities.
Boko said the partnership behind the Batanani Walk was significant because proceeds from the event would contribute towards the refurbishment and enhancement of child-friendly police facilities.
She noted that whilst no environment could erase the trauma of abuse, the spaces where children sought help mattered.
“A welcoming room can reduce fear. A compassionate setting can encourage a child to speak,” she said, adding that child-centred facilities could reassure young victims that they would be listened to, believed, and treated with dignity.
The First Lady also commended everyone who registered, walked, volunteered, donated, or partnered with the event, saying their participation was more than an act of charity.
“Every step you have taken today is an investment in safer communities and brighter futures,” she said.
Francistown East legislator and Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Tiroeaone Ntsima said children needed to grow in environments where they felt safe, protected, respected, and empowered to realise their full potential.
He said the large turnout for the walk demonstrated that people were not merely participating in a physical activity, but were showing their commitment to child safety.
He described the theme, 'Step for Child Safety', as a call to action, stressing that protecting children was a collective responsibility.