A powerful mentorship programme held at Taung Primary School in Gaborone has reinforced the importance of guiding young boys during their formative years by equipping them with life skills, strong moral values and positive role models. The initiative brought together stakeholders from different sectors who shared a common goal of helping boys from Standard Four to Standard Seven develop into responsible and confident young men. Held under the theme, “Lore lo o Jwa lo Sale Metsi,” the programme emphasized the importance of teaching and shaping children while they are still young and receptive to guidance. The event highlighted the belief that investing in the character and education of young people today will contribute to stronger families and communities in the future. Through mentorship, motivational talks and practical life lessons, participants were encouraged to make wise decisions that would positively shape their lives.
The theme of the programme carried a powerful message about the value of early intervention in a child’s development. By reaching boys at a young age, mentors and educators have an opportunity to instill discipline, responsibility and respect before harmful influences take root. The programme recognized that children often face increasing social pressures both inside and outside the classroom, making positive guidance more important than ever. Organizers encouraged the learners to understand the difference between right and wrong while developing the confidence to make responsible choices. These lessons are intended to provide a strong moral foundation that will continue to guide them throughout adolescence and adulthood.
Throughout the event, stakeholders from various sectors shared valuable experiences and practical advice with the learners. They encouraged the boys to stay away from drugs and alcohol, reject violence in all its forms and demonstrate good behaviour both at school and within their communities. Speakers stressed that discipline, respect and self-control are essential qualities for achieving success in life. They reminded the learners that education remains one of the most effective tools for improving their future opportunities and breaking cycles of poverty and social challenges. By encouraging positive attitudes toward learning and personal responsibility, the programme sought to inspire boys to remain focused on their academic goals.
One of the highlights of the mentorship programme was the participation of renowned local musicians Chokoma and Juu Matere, who used their personal journeys to inspire the young learners. The popular artists shared stories about the challenges they encountered on their paths to success and explained how determination, patience and hard work helped them overcome difficult circumstances. Their messages demonstrated that setbacks do not have to define a person’s future and that persistence can lead to meaningful achievements. The musicians encouraged the boys to believe in themselves while remaining committed to their education and personal growth. Their presence added excitement to the event while reinforcing important lessons about resilience and perseverance.
In addition to encouraging academic excellence, Chokoma and Juu Matere also emphasized the importance of building strong moral values. They urged the learners to read the Bible and seek guidance from its teachings as they navigate life’s challenges. According to the musicians, spiritual growth and good character are just as important as educational success because they help individuals make responsible decisions throughout their lives. They encouraged the boys to surround themselves with positive influences and avoid friendships that could lead them toward destructive behaviour. Their advice reflected the programme’s broader objective of nurturing well-rounded young people who possess both knowledge and integrity.
Senior Teacher for Sports and Culture at Taung Primary School, Ms. Tumedi, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in raising the boy child. She explained that no single institution can successfully guide children on its own and that meaningful development requires cooperation between parents, schools, traditional leaders, government institutions and the wider community. According to Ms. Tumedi, children thrive when they receive consistent guidance, love and discipline from all the adults involved in their lives. She encouraged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education while providing the emotional support needed for healthy development. Her message reinforced the idea that strong partnerships are essential for producing confident, responsible and productive citizens.
The programme also recognized that mentorship extends beyond classroom learning by helping young people develop important life skills. Lessons on respect, communication, decision-making and emotional resilience prepare learners to respond positively to everyday challenges. Providing boys with access to positive role models helps them build confidence while encouraging them to develop healthy attitudes toward leadership and personal responsibility. These experiences also create safe spaces where learners can ask questions, share concerns and receive practical guidance from trusted adults. Such mentorship initiatives can have a lasting impact by helping young people develop the character needed to succeed both academically and socially.
Community-based mentorship programmes continue to play a vital role in strengthening Botswana’s education system and promoting youth development. Schools serve as important centers for learning, but partnerships with community leaders, professionals, artists and other stakeholders expand the support available to learners. By bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, programmes like this expose children to diverse experiences and practical advice that enrich their personal growth. The involvement of respected public figures also demonstrates that success can be achieved through discipline, determination and ethical conduct. These collaborative efforts contribute to building stronger communities by investing in the next generation of leaders.
The mentorship programme at Taung Primary School concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to nurture responsible, respectful and confident young men. The event successfully reinforced the importance of early guidance, positive role models and shared responsibility in shaping the lives of young boys. Through meaningful discussions, personal testimonies and practical life lessons, learners were encouraged to reject negative influences, remain committed to their education and pursue their dreams with determination. The contributions of educators, community leaders, parents and inspirational figures such as Chokoma and Juu Matere demonstrated the powerful impact of collective mentorship. As Botswana continues to invest in the development of its young people, initiatives like this provide an important foundation for raising future generations of disciplined, compassionate and responsible citizens who will make valuable contributions to society.
