NGO fights sexual abuse in Kgatleng

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Friday June 18, 2010 00:00

It will start with a march on June 26 and culminate with interactions and speeches at Rover's Ground at the Kgatleng District Council. The director of programmes at Stepping Stones, Lila Pavey said sexual abuse statistics in the Kgatleng capital, Mochudi are alarming.

'Between 2008 and 2009, Mochudi Police Station recorded 77 rape cases among adolescents between the ages of 12-18 in Mochudi alone. From January to April of 2010, an additional 11 cases for the same age group were reported. This is only the tip of the iceberg,' she said.

Pavey stated that their goal in the campaign is targeted at the community, 10 diplomatic missions, 10 companies, Kgosi and representatives of the 39,000 people of Mochudi. 'The purpose of the campaign is to sensitise the community and encourage people to start openly talking and reducing sexual abuse and gender based violence,' Pavey explained.

She said that the community has come together from the nursery schools to funeral parlors to shops and donated funds, time and materials needed for the event.

She stated that seven wards will be marching from their kgotlas and congregating at the council grounds. 'We are encouraging people to come dressed in their organisation's branded clothing to signify their presence or in white, which represents the prevention of violence against women.

They should also feel free to bring posters and vuvuzelas, as it is high time to make noise about this issue,' Pavey said.  Stepping Stones International initiated the campaign in collaboration with World University Services of Canada (WUSC) and the Mochudi Community Stakeholders, the police, Social and Community Development department, Botswana Family Welfare Association, Botswana National Youth Council and Dutch Reformed Memorial Hospital.

Stepping Stones International was established and registered in 2006 as a non-profit making organisation dedicated to creating an enabling environment for orphans and vulnerable children aged 12-18. Pavey said Stepping Stones International has an innovative educational and psychological support programme meant to reach those at risk in Mochudi.

With a mission to empower youth to become leaders of the next generation by nurturing their mental, physical and spiritual well beings, the Stepping Stones International programme includes; peer education, tutored study, confidence and self-esteem building, goal setting, psychosocial support, life and job skills training, expression through art, drama, poetry, music, sports and play, income generating activities, advocacy and community mobilisation