As part of its ongoing Oral Health Program, sponsored by SOS Children’s Villages in Sweden, SOS Children’s Villages Botswana proudly hosted a series of vibrant prize-giving ceremonies in various regions including Serowe, Francistown, and Tlokweng. These events celebrated the creativity, passion, and potential of young learners who participated in the "My Smile, My Pride" essay writing competition.

Serowe Region – Palapye Junior School Ceremony

On 14 April 2025, Palapye Junior School played host to one of the celebratory ceremonies, honouring winners from six schools in the Palapye region. A total of 15 learners showcased their writing skills in the competition, reflecting on the theme "My Smile, My Pride."

Top achievers included:

• 1st Place: Bathabile Mothobi (Machibaba JSS) – Winner of a brand-new Acer laptop and a bundle of learning materials.

• 2nd Place: Keneilwe Kasheka (Mokgalo JSS) – Awarded a tablet.

• 3rd Place: Celeste Banyatsang (Gosemama JSS) – Received a Samsung smartphone.

• 4th Place: Tsaone Tau (Machibaba JSS) – Took home a scientific calculator and additional academic tools.

All remaining participants received school bags and stationery as consolation prizes.

Mr. Bikie Morebodi, Project Manager for SOS Children’s Village Serowe, congratulated all the students, noting that each participant demonstrated excellence and is a source of pride for their schools.

Chief Education Officer for the Palapye region, Ms. Didimalang Mmemo, commended SOS Children’s Villages Botswana for its unwavering support of quality education. She remarked that the organisation’s mission aligns with the Ministry of Education’s "Ngwana Pele" vision and encouraged learners to pursue excellence in all their endeavours.

The Project Manager for SOS Children's Village in Serowe, Mr. Bikie Morebodi

Francistown Region – Tonota Schools Competition

In Francistown, a similar essay competition was held, involving junior schools from the Tonota area. The winners were awarded Sefalana shopping vouchers:

• 1st Place: Kagiso Bird Tlhabiwa – P3,000 voucher

• 2nd Place: Jameliah Dodile – P2,500 voucher

• 3rd Place: Rebecca Sonny – P2,000 voucher

• 4th Place: Angel Montshiwa – P1,500 voucher

All participants received a P500 voucher in recognition of their efforts and participation.

The Alternative Care Coordinator for SOS Children's Village in Francistown, Mr. Bikie Morebodi

Tlokweng Region 

In Tlokweng, SOS Children’s Village hosted yet another exciting round of the competition. The top-performing schools were:

1. Mogobane JSS

2. Ramotswa JSS

3. Kelemogile JSS

4. Baitlotli JSS

Students from SOS Children's Village in Tlokweng secured positions 1 through 4, along with 12 consolation prizes—an impressive demonstration of the village’s academic commitment and success.

Tlokweng region prize giving ceremony

These celebrations not only recognized academic excellence but also encouraged young people to express themselves, build confidence, and embrace their potential. SOS Children’s Villages Botswana remains committed to empowering youth through education, advocacy, and impactful community programs.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants!

The End