GABORONE, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The three first ladies of Botswana, Lesotho and the Kingdom of eSwatini visited Stepping Stones International (SSI) in Mochudi, a traditional village north of Gaborone, capital of Botswana on Friday to appreciate the work the organization does in the community.
The first ladies, Neo Masisi of Botswana, Maesaiah Thabane of Lesotho and her Royal Highness Queen Inkhosikati Lantentesa of eSwatini toured the SSI premises and were enlightened on what SSI is all about on the sidelines of the sixth SACU Summit of Heads of State and Government that was concluded in Gaborone on Friday.
In her appreciation speech, Masisi said she was impressed by the work carried out by SSI that has a holistic approach in addressing all facets of life, especially empowering girls.
She said what SSI is doing is close to her heart as she also has an initiative of empowering and working closely with adolescent girls aged between 12 and 18.
Stepping Stones International is a non-governmental, non-profit organization registered in Utah, but operates as a locally-based African operation in Mochudi.
SSI provides an after-school program to orphans and vulnerable adolescents aged 12 to 18, who have experienced abuse, inconsistent schooling, or have been infected or affected by HIV.
An important aspect of SSI's mission is to improve participating teens' English literacy and thus improve their economic prospects. SSI is working to build and improve Botswana's developing education system.
Masisi also appreciated the availability of Granny's program as the elderly women are the pillar and stream of undying support. She added that the program also bridges the generational gap that exists between the elderly and the youth, bringing both parties to a point of common ground.
The Executive Director of SSI Lisa Jamu said the organization has assisted a wide spectrum of youth across the country.
Jamu said she started with seven youth and the number grew to 30, and now they have assisted over 7 000 young people, and trained about 250 teachers in primary schools.
Twenty-year-old Matshidiso Moilwe, who is enrolled in a young mothers' program, praised the program for giving her hope when she was hopeless and in their vulnerable state.
Moilwe said when she joined she received counseling services and life transforming information that made her discover herself and perceive life differently.
The Permanent Secretary to Lesotho Cabinet Mataeli Makhele-Sekhantso, who accompanied the first ladies, said she was impressed with the work done by SSI and would like to invite SSI staff over to Lesotho.
She said Lesotho will be hosting a 12th Stop Cervical, Breast and Prostate Cancer Conference, which will be held from July 22 to 25 in Maseru, capital of Lesotho at the invitation of First Lady Thabane.
Makhele-Sekhantso added that all the first ladies in Africa have been invited to grace the conference.
