“The provision of reliable and safe shelter to these vulnerable children is also important because they are protected from other societal ills such as child trafficking which has inspired this year’s theme for the Day of the African Child being ‘Combat Child Trafficking’ ”, Pius Molefe, BBS Chief Executive.

Mr Molefe was speaking at a ceremony on Thursday 14 June 2006 to donate P 60,000 towards the construction of an SOS Children’s Village in Serowe. He commended the SOS Children’s Village for having provided much needed support in the model of stable homes for many orphans in Botswana over the years.

He however noted that more needed to be done to assist orphans in Botswana  such as those under the age of 15 years who are estimated to be close to 80 000, largely due to AIDS. Mr Molefe added that he hoped that a new SOS Children’s Village in Serowe would assist in alleviating the problems orphans encounter.

The BBS Chief Executive also praised SOS Children’s Village for having supported some orphans who were now gainfully employed while others are pursuing university courses in law, dentistry, and property management.  “BBS very much supports the work you are doing, and the sense of innovation, hope and possibility which runs through all the initiatives you have created,” he stated.

When accepting the donation, Botswana SOS Children’s Village National Director Mr Derek James expressed his gratitude and noted that “this is a team effort we can’t do without. Many thanks and many children are going to benefit because of your generosity”.

The SOS Children’s Villages in Tlokweng and Francistown currently look after 480 children.