Botswana is preparing for another important edition of the Mascom Batanani Walk, with First Lady Kaone Boko confirmed as the Chief Walker for the 2026 event. Her participation places national attention on the urgent need to protect children from violence, abuse and neglect while encouraging communities to take an active role in safeguarding young people. Held under the theme “Walk for Child Safety,” the campaign aims to unite Batswana around a shared commitment to ensuring every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment. The annual event has become one of Botswana’s most recognized community initiatives, combining public participation with advocacy for children’s rights and wellbeing. By accepting the role of Chief Walker, the First Lady is reinforcing the message that child protection is a responsibility that belongs to every individual, family, institution and community.
The 2026 Mascom Batanani Walk will once again bring together government institutions, the private sector, development partners and members of the public in support of a common cause. The walk raises funds and awareness for child-friendly police facilities through a partnership between Mascom Wireless, UNICEF Botswana and the Botswana Police Service. These specialized facilities are designed to provide children with safe and welcoming spaces where they can report abuse, receive emotional support and access essential services without fear or intimidation. Creating environments that respect the dignity of children is an important step in improving the country’s response to cases involving abuse, exploitation and violence. By investing in these facilities, the partners aim to ensure that children receive the protection and care they deserve during difficult and often traumatic experiences.
Child-friendly police facilities play a critical role in strengthening Botswana’s child protection system. Traditional police environments can often feel intimidating for children who have experienced abuse or witnessed traumatic events. Dedicated child-sensitive spaces help reduce anxiety by providing private interview rooms, trained officers and supportive surroundings that prioritize the emotional wellbeing of young victims. This approach helps children communicate more openly while allowing investigators to gather information in a manner that minimizes further trauma. The continued development of these facilities demonstrates a commitment to placing children’s rights and welfare at the center of law enforcement services.
Mascom Wireless Chief Executive Officer Dzene Makhwade-Seboni welcomed the First Lady’s acceptance of the Chief Walker role, describing it as a powerful demonstration of national leadership in advancing child protection. According to Makhwade-Seboni, the First Lady’s involvement reflects the importance of collective action in addressing violence against children and building safer communities. She noted that the First Lady’s MPEPU initiative closely aligns with the objectives of the Mascom Batanani Walk by promoting stronger parenting, family support and child-centered development. The partnership between public leaders, private organizations and international development agencies shows that protecting children requires cooperation across every sector of society. Such collaboration strengthens efforts to prevent abuse while improving access to services for vulnerable children.
The MPEPU initiative has become an important platform for encouraging responsible parenting, stronger family relationships and community involvement in raising children. Its goals complement the broader objectives of the Mascom Batanani Walk by emphasizing prevention alongside intervention. Healthy family environments, informed parents and supportive communities are essential factors in reducing violence against children and ensuring their long-term wellbeing. When parents, teachers, community leaders and public institutions work together, children benefit from stronger protection networks that reduce risks and create opportunities for healthy development. The First Lady’s leadership helps reinforce these values while encouraging greater public participation in initiatives that place children first.
The annual walk has grown into more than just a fundraising event, becoming a nationwide movement that encourages citizens to actively participate in protecting children. Thousands of Batswana are expected to join the 2026 edition by walking together in solidarity with children across the country. Every registration contributes to raising awareness while supporting practical improvements to child protection services. Public participation also sends a strong message that violence against children will not be tolerated and that communities are prepared to stand together in defense of children’s rights. Events such as the Mascom Batanani Walk help transform awareness into meaningful action that benefits families throughout Botswana.
Makhwade-Seboni has encouraged people from every part of Botswana to register and become part of the 2026 Mascom Batanani Walk. She emphasized that every participant plays a meaningful role in strengthening efforts to prevent violence against children and improve child-sensitive services nationwide. The campaign aims to inspire individuals, businesses, schools and organizations to unite behind a common purpose of creating safer communities for every child. Beyond the walk itself, the initiative encourages long-term engagement with child protection efforts through education, advocacy and community support. Such sustained involvement can help create lasting improvements in how society responds to the needs of vulnerable children.
The 2026 Mascom Batanani Walk represents an important opportunity for Botswana to reaffirm its commitment to protecting children and promoting their wellbeing. With First Lady Kaone Boko leading the campaign as Chief Walker, the event is expected to inspire greater national participation and strengthen public awareness of child safety issues. The continued partnership between Mascom Wireless, UNICEF Botswana and the Botswana Police Service highlights the value of collaboration in building systems that place children’s needs at the forefront. By supporting child-friendly police facilities and encouraging stronger parenting and safer communities, the campaign contributes to a future where children can live free from violence and fear. Every step taken during the walk represents a shared commitment to ensuring that every child in Botswana is safe, respected and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
