Children are safest when the people around them work together to protect them. With this shared vision, SOS Children's Village, Tlokweng, in partnership with the Ga-Malete District Council through the Office of Social and Community Development, successfully conducted a two-day Village Child Protection Committee (VCPC) Training in Mogobane.

The training brought together key community stakeholders, including the Tribal Authority (Kgosi), Social Welfare officers, Botswana Police Service, Mogobane Clinic, schools, and Village Child Protection Committee members. Although children (two representatives of the committee boy and girl) were unable to participate because of ongoing school examinations, the discussions remained firmly centred on improving their safety, wellbeing, and future.

Participants explored the growing challenges affecting children in the community, including neglect, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, family breakdown, cyberbullying, and poor parental supervision. They also strengthened their understanding of the child protection referral system, enabling community members to identify concerns early and ensure children receive timely support from the appropriate services.

One of the key outcomes of the training was a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work together in preventing abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation of children. The committee also reflected on local child protection trends, recognising the importance of stronger community action, positive parenting, and coordinated responses to cases affecting children.

SOS Children's Village, Tlokweng was honoured to be joined by Ndadi Law Firm, who generously provided their expertise on a pro bono basis. The firm facilitated a session on Botswana's child protection legal framework, children's rights, and referral pathways, helping participants better understand how the law protects children and the responsibilities of different service providers. Their contribution added significant value to the training, and SOS Children's Villages extends its sincere appreciation for their commitment to strengthening child protection.

This training reaffirmed that protecting children is a shared responsibility. By bringing together government departments, traditional leadership, health workers, educators, law enforcement, legal professionals, and community members, Mogobane has taken another important step towards building a stronger and more responsive child protection system.

SOS Children's Village Tlokweng is grateful for its continued partnership with the Ga-Malete District Council and looks forward to further strengthening community-based child protection structures so that every child can grow up safe, protected, and supported.

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