SOS Children's Village, Tlokweng in collaboration with the Tlokweng community and friends has successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Charity Run 2025, faciliated by Fearless Fitness Club in the spirit of supporting the care of children and youth in need of care, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle, inclusive sports and fostering community engagement and social responsibility. Cumulatively, the event, which attracted 60 sponsors and 15 exhibitors, drew in an impressive 1000 participants and over 5000 attendees.

The event's primary objective is to raise funds for children in our care, foster community involvement, and promote sports in the community, particularly among children under our care. The charity run/Walk's success demonstrates the community's willingness to come together for a good cause and highlights the potential for future collaborations.

OBJECTIVES

Generate funds: Generate essential financial support for over 310 children in our care and approximately 1,500 children benefiting from outreach programs.

-  Promote sports: Encourage physical fitness and healthy living among the youth community while fostering a culture of sports.

Engage Community Leaders: Involve local leaders and stakeholders to strengthen advocacy for children's rights and welfare.

- IIncrease Participation: Build upon last year’s success with a target of 15,000 participants, up from more than 1,000 participants last year and over 20 exhibitors.

The National Director Mr Motswhari Kitso in his welcome remarks highlighted that the event is both fitness activity and an opportunity to donate for the care of children, in which participant can make friends and network. “This event started very small, and it grows year in year out, we want it to be signature event for Tlokweng and therefore it should be in the National calendar for BTO” he said in conclusion and thanked every sponsor for their commitment and generosity.

In his address to the gathered crowd, Mr. Keitumetse emphasized the crucial role of Botswana Oil Limited (BOL's) Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Programme, stating, "We are committed to investing in the heartbeat of our communities and children, especially those in need like SOS Children’s Villages." His words resonated with the audience, driving home the message that collective efforts can significantly impact the lives of children facing adversity.

Among the dignitaries was also Commissioner for Botswana Prisons Service Anthony Mokento and Founder of Dawn Bell Academy, Ms. Ndiko Muzila who joined participants in the walk/run, showing solidarity and support for the cause. Botswana Prisons Service and Dawn Bell Academy both demonstrated their continued commitment to social responsibility by generously donating P10,000 and P100, 000 consecutively to the Charity Run.

The Ministry of Sports and Arts in the District as well as the District leadership has supported and participated in the event physically and through publicizing the events in social media pages and other platforms. The dream of SOS Children’s Village is to make the event a District signature event, where all key stakeholders participate and support, because the event has proven to not only bring SOS to the public but has potential to put the District in the map and we can leverage on it to bring the Tlokweng Village and District to Batswana.

The day’s activities transcended the physical challenge of the walk/run, symbolizing the larger journey faced by thousands of children in Botswana. Each step mirrored the struggles endured daily by these children in search of food, safety, education, love, and hope. A staggering 35% of children in the country confront the harsh realities of poverty, abuse, neglect, disease, and the absence of parental care—a statistic that underscores the urgency of supporting programs like SOS Children’s Villages.

The charity run/Walk aligns with our National Strategy 2023-2027, focusing on child protection, deinstitutionalization, and providing a brighter future for children and youth in need of care. As a sustainable short-term care and transition facility, our village is committed to providing holistic care, empowering families, and promoting community-based support.

The 2026 or 4th edition of the event is especially meaningful as it coincides with our 40th Anniversary, celebrating four decades of dedicated service to vulnerable children. The charity run/Walk's success demonstrates the community's willingness to come together for a good cause and highlights the potential for future collaborations.

On behalf of the Board, Management, Staff and the children we serve, we would like to take this time to thank all of our sponsors for making this event the success it was and we look forward to more fruitful partnerships with you in the upcoming Runs/Walks. Our sponsors the Run/Walk are as follows in no particular order: 

Dawn Bell Academy; Emerald Academy; Botswana Prison Service (BPS); Imperial School of Business and Science; Fearless Fitness Club; ReaStrive Photography; Wimpy Botswana; Yarona FM; Visualize BW; Ntontwane Catering Services; Audiotech Botswana; Boop-Kono Capital Botswana; Shoprite Botswana; Cresta Hotels; NCR Visuals; The Sqaure Mart; Leaf Environmental Solutions; Pedal Smoothies BW; Ndadi Law Firm; House of Gratitude; Setho Health Solutions; Clicks Botswana; Anchor Textiles; Ticket Linc Botswana; MVA Fund; Sweet Brands; AO Tlokweng Clinic; Checkers; Lefifi Investments; Oshee BW; Taurus; Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital; Botswana Oil Limited; YTV; The Event Popup Creche; Reliable Cleaning Services; KFC; Society of Road Safety Ambassadors; BOFINET; Village Imaging; Meggascope Medical & Diagnostic Laboratory; Run Gabz By Night; Botswana Power Corporation; Veggieland; Vintage Value Projects; Jouerhall; Majima the Legacy; Blue Flames Security; Water Cafe GamaleteAqualife;

Save the Date!
Our 4th Annual Charity Run/Walk 2026 is set for 23rd May 2026. 

We invite corporates, businesses, parastatals, government, and individuals to partner with us in making this event a success. Together, we can raise vital support for children in need of care and protection. 

For more details, call us at (+267) 395 3220 or email info.fdc@sos-botswana.org.