SOS Children's Villages Botswana Bids Farewell to Three Dedicated Mothers After Years of Service.

SOS Childrens Villages Botswana Staff

In a heartfelt and emotional ceremony, SOS Children's Villages Botswana bid farewell to three of its most dedicated and long-serving mothers, who have selflessly cared for children who have lost parental care or those at risk of losing it. These remarkable women have devoted years of their lives to nurturing, supporting, and guiding children in need. 

The farewell event was a significant occasion, attended by Senior Management and Staff, including the National Director of SOS Children's Villages Botswana, Mr. Motshwari Kitso. Mr. Kitso delivered a moving speech that reflected on the immense contributions of the retiring mothers. He shared personal memories of working with them and acknowledged their unwavering commitment to the children they raised. Mr. Kitso also highlighted the unique challenges these mothers faced, particularly the emotional toll of caring for children from diverse backgrounds who had experienced social and familial struggles. Their dedication, often at the expense of their own personal time and comfort, has left an indelible impact on the lives of many children.

Senior Management, SOS Children's Villages Botswana, National Coordinating Office (Left: Head of HR & Admin, Ms. Dimpho Motlalekgosi; Center: National Director, Mr Motshwari Kitso; Head of Finance, Ms. Thatayaone Mpenya). 

A Legacy of Love and Care

Throughout the ceremony, the heartfelt gratitude of the children and families who had been part of the mothers' journeys was evident. Several children, now adults, took the opportunity to express their thanks to their SOS mothers and the organization for providing them with the care, support, and love they needed to thrive. Many of them shared how their SOS mothers filled the parental void in their lives, offering a sense of security and stability they had never known before. These emotional tributes highlighted the lasting impact these women have had on the lives of countless children.

In addition to the gratitude from the children, family members of the retiring mothers also expressed their appreciation. They shared how SOS Children’s Villages Botswana had not only been a place of employment for their mothers but had also given them an extended family. Through their mothers’ work, they had gained siblings and shared the love and care that came from raising children in a nurturing and supportive environment. The family representatives acknowledged the invaluable parenting skills their mothers had developed through their roles at SOS Children's Villages Botswana which had positively influenced their own lives and the way they raised their children.

A Day of Celebrations and Reflections

Colleagues from SOS Children's Villages Botswana also took part in bidding them farewell, with several sharing emotional speeches that highlighted their personal experiences with the retirees and the positive impact they had on the organization. As part of the celebrations, a presentation of gifts was made to the retiring mothers; a token of appreciation for their years of service.

The event was further enriched by the musical talents of the SOS Children's Village Tlokweng choirs, who performed beautiful songs in tribute to the mothers. In addition, several talented young individuals, some of whom were raised by SOS mothers, showcased their skills, expressing their gratitude through performances that reflected the love and inspiration they had received throughout their lives.

The day concluded with touching words from the retiring mothers, who expressed their profound gratitude to SOS Children's Villages Botswana for being the best employer they could have asked for. They spoke about the invaluable training, personal development, and life skills they had gained during their time at SOS. These skills, they noted, would continue to serve them well in their retirement and in all aspects of their lives going forward.

A Lasting Impact on Generations to Come

As the ceremony drew to a close, the deep sense of appreciation and respect for these mothers was palpable. The entire SOS Children’s Villages community expressed their thanks, acknowledging that these incredible women have raised not just children but entire generations. Their love, patience, and tireless commitment have played a crucial role in shaping the futures of many young people, some of whom are now adults making positive contributions to society.

In the words of the SOS Children's Village in Tlokweng community, "Re a leboga bo Mothers, le bagaka"  which translates as: Thank you Mothers you are warriors.