Failing youth empowerment schemes worry Masire

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday March 19, 2014 14:50

 

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, he said that because of the failing schemes, his foundation has started development programmes to respond to youth needs.

The Sir Ketumile Masire Foundation is currently hosting youth dialogue forums to discuss various topics with partners. The foundation intends to inspire youth with its annual programmes such as youth summit on leadership and governance.

The former president said they have not yet achieved all their targets because of lack of funds. “We are working hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture on issues concerning the youth.

It is important to know the problems that youth are facing and engaging them on how they feel those problems could be solved,” he said.

The Foundation has introduced Dikgotla in some of the schools where children will be helping teachers to address issues such as bullying. Schools will treat the Dikgotla areas as peace centres. 

At the moment, peace centre initiatives are at Ithuteng Primary School in Gaborone, Kang and Mahutsane in the Kalahari. Two more will be launched soon in the Chobe region.

Masire said that a mentor manual has been developed to guide the programme. Peace clubs, inter-school debating and story clubs focusing on peace related themes have been initiated.

Masire said his foundation is trying to address problems of people living with disability by helping them connect with those that can help them.

He said since the country is currently suffering from power shortages especially in remote areas, the government should consider promotion of solar power.

“Though solar power establishment is very expensive, in the long term it is cheaper. It could be used mostly in the villages,” he said.