Sentebale

Today, we commemorate the Day of the African Child, observed across the continent in honour of the courage and sacrifice of the students who participated in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. It is also a moment to renew our commitment to advancing the rights, wellbeing and dignity of all African children.

This year’s theme, “Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child in Africa,” reminds us that safe water and sanitation are far more than basic services. They are fundamental rights that shape children’s health, education, protection and ability to thrive.

At Sentebale, we see every day how a child’s wellbeing is influenced by the conditions in which they live, learn and grow. Access to safe environments, quality services and meaningful opportunities helps children and young people build resilience, realise their potential and participate fully in their communities.

As we reflect on the progress made and the work that remains, let us continue to listen to children, uphold their rights and create communities across Africa where every child is healthy, safe, seen and able to flourish.

At Sentebale, we believe that boys thrive when they are supported with care, guidance, opportunity, and spaces where they can be themselves fully.

Through psychosocial support, health services, vocational training, youth advocacy, and safe community spaces across Lesotho and Botswana, we work with young people to help build resilience, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

International Day of the Boy Child, commemorated globally today, is a reminder that supporting boys is a collective responsibility. Families, schools, communities, mentors, and organisations all have a role to play in ensuring that boys grow up feeling seen, heard, and empowered to make positive choices for themselves and their futures.

When boys are given the right support, entire communities benefit.

Commemorated annually on 01 May, Workers’ Day is a moment to recognise the dignity of work and the contribution of workers in building stronger, more inclusive societies. It’s also a reminder that access to decent work remains out of reach for many especially young people.

Today, we celebrate the dedicated team at Sentebale who work tirelessly to advance our mission as a charity in supporting the optimal development of children and young people every day. We also recognise the countless workers across the social development sector, including in Lesotho and Botswana, whose commitment continues to improve the lives of young people, often in the most challenging circumstances.

Let us continue to work together in creating pathways for the next generation to thrive.

Happy Workers' Day!

World Book and Copyright Day celebrates the power of books to open minds, connect generations, and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Marked each year on 23 April, it reminds us that books are more than stories - they are tools for learning, imagination, and opportunity.

At Sentebale, we bring this to life through our library at the Mamohato Children's Library, where children as young as 4 to17 are invited every third Saturday of the month to discover the joy of reading. Revisit our most recent Library Day held last week with us, as we continue to create a safe, welcoming space for children to read, learn, and explore new ideas is essential.

By nurturing literacy and a love for books, we are helping young people in Lesotho build confidence, expand their horizons, and unlock future opportunities one story at a time.

Should you require more information about our library books and how you can participate contact [email protected]

From all of us at Sentebale, we wish all our Christian friends, partners and staff a Happy Easter weekend. May this weekend bring renewal, hope and rest.

For those travelling far and wide, we wish you all a safe journey and a joyful time with your loved ones during this long weekend.

HappyEaster

Earlier this month, Sentebale Botswana, through its Adoloscent and Young People (AYP) Project, partnered with the Botswana School of Business Sciences to host a vibrant Wellness Expo for students.

The AYP Project is dedicated to improving access to comprehensive HIV prevention services and information, promoting human rights, and addressing stigma and discrimination. It also focuses on increasing access to family planning and encouraging the consistent and correct use of condoms among young people.

As such, the partnership provided an inclusive space for young people to access HIV prevention information, wellness services, and support and empowered students to make informed decisions while sparking open conversations around health and wellbeing.

Sentebale remains committed to strengthening partnerships and ensuring young people in Botswana have the knowledge and support they need to thrive.

International Women’s Day is a global moment to celebrate the achievements of women and accelerate progress toward gender equality. This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” highlights how giving women opportunities, resources, and support creates lasting benefits for entire communities.

At Sentebale, we see this every day in our work in Lesotho and Botswana. By providing vulnerable young women with vocational and entrepreneurship training, business skills development, and support to secure internships or start their own ventures, we help unlock their potential to build independent and fulfilling livelihoods.

Our health programmes are equally critical. Through HIV prevention, treatment literacy, and psychosocial support, we equip young women with the knowledge and tools to protect their health, reduce stigma, and take control of their futures. By strengthening their resilience and wellbeing, we help ensure they can pursue education, work, and opportunity with dignity.

We believe and have seen evidence that when young women are supported to be healthy, skilled, and economically empowered, the gains extend far beyond the individual. As such, today we celebrate the power of investing in young women because when we give and share support, opportunity and knowledge with women, we all gain.

Last week, Sentebale Botswana in collaboration with the The Tutume District Health Management Team (DHMT) held a two day training workshop to capacitate Health Education Assistants and stakeholders on HIV prevention & treatment strategies. The training included identifying practical steps to improve HIV outcomes for adolescents in the district, strengthen delivery of youth friendly services, multi-sectoral coordination and align district efforts in implementing Operation Triple Zero Plus.

Operation Triple Zero Plus is an initiative launched with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to better serve pregnant, breastfeeding, and young mothers - an extension of Operation Triple Zero which aims to achieve Zero missed doses, Zero missed appointments, and Zero viral load among adolescents and young people living with HIV.

Capacitating frontline workers strengthens efforts on the ground and improves outcomes for young people. By the end of the training, the group developed clear action steps, including improved coordination across different sectors ensuring that young people living or affected by HIV have access to quality health services and receive the treatment they deserve.

Commemorated annually on 20 February, World Day of Social Justice calls on all of us to take concrete action to end poverty, promote equity, and build fairer, more inclusive societies.

This year, the day is commemorated under the theme, "Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice" with one of the focuses on promoting decent work for all - reminding us that young people must be equipped to navigate economic, climate, and technological change with dignity and opportunity.

At Sentebale, we put this into practice by supporting young people with vocational training, entrepreneurial skills, and the academic and life skills they need to protect themselves and build fulfilling livelihoods.

Join us in our mission and learn more about our work by clicking here https://bit.ly/3OnpYPZ