Celebrating 40 Years of Care

SOS Children's Villages in Botswana proudly celebrated a major milestone on the 10th July 2026, hosting its 40th Anniversary Breakfast and the Official  Launch of the P40 for 40 Years Campaign at Oasis Hotel, Tlokweng.

The event brought together an overwhelming show of support from Government, traditional leadership, development partners, sponsors, former employees, care leavers, staff, the media and friends of SOS Children's Villages in Botswana. Among those in attendance were representatives from Tlokweng Land Board, Tlokweng District Council, Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Prisons Service, Tribal Administration, the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Tlokweng Junior Secondary School, former SOS Board Chairman Major B. K. Oitsile and Deputy Board Chair Mr Gideon Masilo, childcare organisations, former SOS Mothers and many other valued stakeholders.

Guests listening attentively

The occasion was also graced by Kgosi Kgolo ya Batlokwa, Kgosi Puso Gaborone, who welcomed guests and reflected on the deep connection between SOS Children's Villages and the community of Tlokweng, where the organisation first opened its doors in 1986.

Kgosi Puso Gaborone giving welcome remarks

Quoting the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," Kgosi Gaborone highlighted that caring for children has always been a shared responsibility within the Setswana culture. He noted that the work of SOS Children's Villages in Botswana strongly reflects the values of Bogosi (chieftainship), where the wellbeing of every child is a concern for the entire community.

He applauded the organisation's achievements over the past four decades, acknowledging the many former children who left SOS care, who have grown into teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders. He further reaffirmed his commitment to supporting SOS Children's Villages in Botswana and encouraged all sectors of society; including government, traditional leadership, faith-based organisations, businesses and families, to work together in protecting and nurturing children in safe environments.

Delivering the keynote address, National Director Mr. Kebalepile Francis reflected on the organisation's remarkable journey. What began with five family houses in Tlokweng has grown into three programme locations across Botswana, including Francistown and Serowe, providing care and support to thousands of children and families.

Since opening its doors in 1986, more than 3,000 children have passed through SOS Children's Villages in Botswana, with many entering as children and leaving as confident, independent adults pursuing successful careers in various professions.

Mr. Francis also shared the organisation's vision for the future. As global evidence increasingly shows that children thrive best within families and communities, SOS Children's Villages is strengthening its transition towards family-based care. This includes expanding family strengthening programmes, supporting kinship care and foster care and ensuring that instituitional care is used only when necessary and for the shortest possible period while permanent family solutions are identified.

National Director, SOS Children's Villages in Botswana, Mr Kebalepile Francis

Launching the P40 for 40 Years Campaign

A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of the P40 for 40 Years Campaign, inviting the nation to help shape the next chapter of SOS Children's Villages in Botswana.

The campaign encourages:

• Individuals to donate P40 or more, either once-off or monthly.

• Businesses and institutions to contribute P400, P4,000 or more, either once-off or as recurring support.

Mr. Francis reminded guests that while P40 may appear to be a modest contribution, but great impact lies in the collective generosity of thousands of people giving consistently over time.

He also encouraged the public to continue supporting children beyond the anniversary campaign by becoming regular monthly donors and long-term partners in child care.

Powerful Stories of Hope

Guests were deeply moved by a heartfelt testimony from former care leaver Ms. Mmapula Miller, who shared how growing up within SOS Children's Villages transformed her life and encouraged young people currently in care to remain resilient and believe in their future.

Representing sponsors, Ms. Ndiko Muzila, Founder and CEO of Dawn Bell Academy and a committed SOS supporter, spoke about the importance of investing in children and communities. Fittingly, she is also celebrating her own 40th birthday this year, making her participation especially meaningful.

Ms Ndiko Muzila, Founder and CEO of Dawn Bell Academy

The event also premiered the official trailer for the upcoming 40 Years of Care Documentary, featuring reflections from former and current National Directors, an SOS Mother and a former care leaver. The full documentary will be released soon.

Watch trailer here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1009880945000328

A ceremonial cake cutting and toast, marked the celebration, as guests reflected on four decades of impact and looked forward to many more years of transforming children's lives.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Board Chair Mr. Gideon Masilo thanked everyone who has contributed to SOS Children's Villages' journey over the past forty years. He encouraged the public, corporate sector and development partners to continue standing with the organisation, emphasising that every contribution regardless of size helps create lasting change for children and families across Botswana.

Join the Movement

The celebration marked not only a reflection on forty years of impact, but also the beginning of the next chapter.

Members of the public are encouraged to support the P40 for 40 Years Campaign by donating P40 or more online, scanning campaign QR codes located in public spaces, or speaking to SOS Children's Villages Fundraising Officers who will be engaging communities across Botswana. Our centers in Serowe and Francistown will also have Fundraising Officers available and other mounted QR codes in public areas for ease and covenience of casting donations. 

Donate today: https://www.sos-botswana.org/campaign/p40-for-40-years-campaign

Together, we can continue building safe homes, strengthening families and creating brighter futures for children.

Appreciation

SOS Children's Villages in Botswana extends sincere appreciation to all partners, sponsors and supporters who made this milestone celebration possible:

• Oasis Hotel – Venue Partner: https://oasis.co.bw/

• Final Frame Films – Documentary Production: https://www.facebook.com/finalframepostproduction/

• NCR Visuals – Documentary Production: https://www.facebook.com/NCRVISUALS

• Design Surgery – 40th Anniversary Branding, Marketing & Advertising Partner: https://www.facebook.com/Designsurgery09/

• Prestige Delicacies – 40th Anniversary Cake: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065659352438

• Katso's Learning Hub – Branded Water: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577648202873

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the media for helping share our story and amplifying our mission to communities across Botswana.

Together, we celebrate 40 Years of Care and look forward to the next forty.

The team behind the magic, SOS  Staff after a successful launch

Project Managers: Left: SOS Francistown (Mr Dikwena Nkgopolang) Middle: SOS Tlokweng (Ms Ivy Mmeanyana)  Right: SOS Serowe (Mr Phillip Morebodi)

Former SOS Mothers

Marimba Band entertaining guests

Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Group closing the ceremony in style

The end.