AIDSTAR delegates learn paper-bead making from caregivers' business, "United Ladies"

A delegation from USAID’s AIDSTAR program visited Stepping Stones on Thursday, February 9, as part of an international conference on adolescents living with AIDS.  The officials were particularly interested in hearing from programme participants and learning more about the comprehensive services that SSI offers them. 

The group participated in a number of interactive sessions led by youth and staff on topics including leadership development, physical and mental health, and academic enrichment.   And they had an opportunity to review TeachAIDS, the interactive CD produced by SSI in partnership with the Botswana government, Stanford University, Barclay’s Bank Botswana, and UNICEF.  The teaching aid—available in both Setswana and English—is designed to provide Botswana youth with information and strategies for preventing HIV.

AIDSTAR seeks to build the capacity of organizations working around the world to address HIV/AIDS.  To that end, it works to identify and disseminate strategies that have proven effective in impacting HIV/AIDS outcomes.

Performer Luckymore Kwape and SSI Boardmember Mma Juma enjoy good conversation

When we think about Valentine’s Day, thoughts of roses, chocolate and romance most often come to mind. But Valentine’s Day is really about showing those you love how much you care.

The SSI income generation participants saw Valentine’s Day as the perfect opportunity to give teachers a chance to share a special moment with someone they care about. The micro-enterprises collectively decided to approach local schools to purchase tickets for a romantic dinner for two on the SSI grounds, and experience live entertainment provided by some of SSI’s peer educators.

Each business had a role to play in ensuring the success of the event. The Hungry Hippos Super Snacks catering group prepared the menu for the dinner; the Pretty Peacocks made centre-pieces to decorate; the Mochudi Art Masters made candleholders from recycled tin cans; the Rocking Rhythmic City Company made a lovely poster advertising the event and Excellent Movies designed the tickets.

Luckymore Kwape, is a peer educator, who performed at the dinner, “The Valentine’s event helped us to express our talents and discover our potential. What I liked most was being a part of a well-organized event, where people were positive and cooperative.” Luckymore is a budding opera singer, and serenaded those in attendance with his rendition of “You Raise Me Up.”

Another peer educator, Augustus Mokgadi, is an up-and-coming stand up comedian, who also performed for the couples. He smiles when asked how the event impacted him, “I think it marked something in my talent – that I can perform in front of people and make them laugh! They were saying my jokes really killed them, and I should do more.” Most of Augustus’ jokes are in Setswana, but one of his jokes goes something like this, “I have a grandpa who is 106 years old. But his name is ‘Teenage’.”

Both young men felt proud to be a part of the evening’s entertainment, and are looking forward to participating again. Luckymore said of the event, “It brings people together, so we get to know each other, and celebrate.”

Augustus likes to make people happy, which is also part of his duties as a peer educator, “Such events give people an opportunity to spend time with their loved ones, and I felt a sense of belonging. It was a good way to get to know the community. I would like to do something like this again. Practice makes perfect.”

Mompati repairs computers at internship with Frensch Corporation

How many adults do you know who would entrust a teen to service their PC?

Many of us feel stuck in the Stone Age when it comes to technology, but in Botswana a few more teens are getting geared up to fix our technological woes, and wow us at the same time.

Future Sebeke and Mompati Seitei are average teens in every respect. Future has volunteered to tutor youth in SSI’s afterschool study program for just over a year, offering insightful tips in Science and Maths, and coaching students writing exams. Mompati recently joined the leadership program, to learn more about his talents and gain some practical experience before applying to college.

Both have been offered an opportunity to learn computer software and hardware maintenance and repair, thanks to an internship offered by Frensch Corporation, in Commerce Park, Gaborone. The pair agrees this is a dream come true. In their first week on the job, they have learned how to take a computer apart, install hardware and software and work as members of the IT team.

Mompati encourages anyone thinking of taking an internship to go for it, “There are so many things to learn from an internship. As an intern, there is always someone to answer my questions and help me do my work. I’ve already helped my Auntie, who’s computer was running slow. I installed a new operating system, anti-virus and now things are running much better!”

Who knows, maybe one day the boys will be able to work on your computer!

Leadership participants, making their garden grow

Leadership participants are going green!

From a seed, good h​ealth and greater prosperity grow. A large parcel of land at the Stepping Stones campus in Mochudi has been donated by the Roman Catholic Church to serve as an organic community garden.

The Tshingwana ya Tsholofelo garden project is already producing food for participants in Stepping Stones’ after-school programme and providing them an opportunity to learn agricultural and entrepreneurial skills.  Those involved with the project—both youth and their caregivers—will sell a portion of their crops back to SSI in order to meet the nutritional needs of the SSI community.  The remaining crops will be sold to the general public and donated to families in need.

The initiative is another clear example of Stepping Stones’ holistic approach to addressing the needs of the orphaned and vulnerable children it serves and of the strong partnerships that support these efforts.

According to Lisa Jamu, SSI executive director, nearly 25% of programme participants are mal- nourished, either because of food scarcity or poor nutrition.  “It’s critical that we address our youth’s most basic and immediate needs” she noted, “and enable them to focus on their futures.  This project does both.”

The creation of the garden is part of the Government of Botswana’s poverty eradication strategy.  As an indication of the project’s importance to that strategy, representatives from The Office of the President, the Ministry of Agriculture, The District Commissioner’s Office, the Roman Catholic Church, local government, and the Village Chief were all on hand, on Friday, February 10, for the project’s official groundbreaking.

TeachAIDS: Prevention of HIV: It Begins with Me

Prevention of HIV: It Begins with Me – Jazzelle * Scar * Tref * Zeus lend their voices to HIV & AIDS Education

More than 300 youth in the community of Mochudi, Kgatleng District joined in the celebration of the TeachAIDS video in Botswana on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011.  The production, testing and sponsorship of the video was made possible in collaboration with and was supported by Botswana’s Ministry of Education, UNICEF, Barclays Bank, Yahoo!, Stepping Stones International, and Stanford University to develop a comprehensive and entertaining approach to help combat HIV/AIDS.  The events for the celebration included a few words from the various partners followed by a motivational talk from Scar, Zeus’ “I Am” song and activities with youth with the voices of two characters in the TeachAIDS Botswana video- Scar and Zeus.  The youth had the chance to view the video in full and see the characters brought to life with Zeus and Scar’s voices. During the week, SSI performed recall testing from the video and screened it in its final form to their participants.   The day concluded with a question/answer period with the ‘cast’ behind the video and music. The dissemination of CDs will begin shortly with the the assistance of Barclays Bank Botswana’s branches. The videos, in both English and Setswana and male and female versions, are also available online at http://teachaids.org/blog/teachaids-launches-new-animations-a-first-in-africa

His Honourable Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Dr P.H.K Kedikilwe opens the Graff Leadership Centre

“Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself. It is precisely that simple, and it is also that difficult,” Stepping Stones International founder, Lisa Jamu, borrowed the words of Warren Bennis during the official opening of the centre in Mochudi.

On Tuesday October 11th, 2011 Stepping Stones International (SSI) welcomed community partners and supporters to partake in the launch of the newly constructed Graff Leadership Centre. The Graff Leadership Centre was built with support from FACET Foundation, and leverages SSI’s existing model of leadership, life skills, psychosocial support and community mobilization to empower orphaned and vulnerable youth to become self-sufficient. The partnership between FACET and Stepping Stones International demonstrates how a public-private partnership, hinging on collaboration and sharing a common goal, can change lives and promote beneficiation.

Eugene Jackson, a rising musician in Botswana, provides musical entertainment

Thanks to the FACET Foundation (For Africa’s Children Every Time), the origin of the Graff Leadership Centre has become a reality, raising the standards of the leadership component of SSI’s programme. The “Finding the Leader Within” programme encompasses a variety of modules: communication, personal branding, gender equality, community and world issues, career guidance and networking for career placements, to name a few. The goal at the end of the day is to ensure that each participant understands that nothing is impossible to an open and willing mind. SSI will assist the youth or community members who enter this centre to realize their skills and guide them to achieving their interests.

Invited guests enjoy the celebrations

Shanee Orbach, FACET Foundation Trustee, emphasized the role of the private sector in the development of Botswana, “The Graff Leadership Centre in Mochudi demonstrates our commitment to building a healthy, educated, skilled workforce. It demonstrates how a small, African, land-locked country’s extensive mineral wealth can be harnessed to create meaningful beneficiation.”

His Honourable Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Dr P.H.K Kedikilwe officiated the event and was joined by the Private Secretary to the President Mr Eric Molale. Among the other guests in attendance were Ministerial leaders, United States Ambassador Michelle Gavin, British High Commissioner Jennifer Anderson, the youth in the leadership program, community leaders, business leaders, SAFDICO and Stepping Stones International’s partners.

Japan Karate Association of Botswana gets tough!

The program of the official opening included welcome remarks by Village Chief Kgosi Time, a keynote speech by Dr P.H.K Kedikilwe who also wrote a quote on a wall of the Centre, “Try hard and you can make it!”

SSI leadership program participants perform drama, "Finding the Leader Within"

Big Fish, radio presenter from DUMA FM, kept the audience laughing as the Master of Ceremony, while the Japan Karate Association of Botswana demonstrated it takes discipline, commitment, communication and accountability to become a champion of sport. Similar to the “Finding the Leader Programme”, the ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants. Eugene Jackson, a rising musician in Botswana, provided musical entertainment. The youth leaders performed a drama entitled, “Finding the Leader Within” to convey to the audience the benefits of participating in the programme.

Community volunteers dish out over 500 SnackPacks for guests of the Graff Leadership Centre launch!

The new centre will benefit more than 500 vulnerable children, youth and their caregivers, and community stakeholders, with outreach to 6,500 youths in schools, grandmothers and community leaders.

View more photos of the Graff Leadership Centre launch on our Flickr photostream.

Yewande Austin performs with Stepping Stones International Youth at Maitisong

Yewande Austin inspires SSI youth through music to become leaders for change in their community!

Stepping Stones International was proud to be invited by the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone to participate in the Youth Leadership Program from July 25 – 30, 2011, with renowned international musician and inspirational speaker, Yewande Austin. Yewande conducted a five-day leadership course at SSI, using music and story-telling to empower 25 SSI youth to be leaders for change in their communities.

Yewande works her vocal coaching magic!

Blessed with a powerful, soulful voice that harkens back to Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, with a contemporary flavour reminiscent of Jennifer Hudson and Annie Lennox, blended with her own Afro-centric brand of alternative soul, Yewande’s message is unapologetic and speaks to universal truths about issues many artists shy away from- poverty, war, religion, and love.

In 2006, Yewande started her own humanitarian organization, Change Rocks Foundation, to further the dreams of the world’s most vulnerable children with education, personal empowerment and sustainable skill development through the healing power of music.

Before Yewande even began to teach her songs to Stepping Stones International’s youth participants, she shared with them “The Rise Creed” as an opportunity for them to reflect on their own personal commitment to being an agent of change. She asked every child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and received a multitude of responses – a nurse, a lawyer, a police officer, a farmer- even the President! Every day during the music workshops, the youth started by reciting with Yewande “The Rise Creed.”

Rise Creed

I was born to be a leader

To use my blessings to do good not harm,

To be a role model for others,

And rise above all circumstances.

To stand strong in the face of adversity,

To be an innovator not a follower,

To honor all those who came before me

So that I could make the world a better place.

Rise, Rise, Rise, Rise

I am a soldier for change!

As the culminating activity of the Youth Leadership Program, Yewande invited the youth leaders to perform with her in her multi-cultural lecture-concert on the evening of Saturday July 30 at Maitisong: “Bridging the Gap: Rhythms, Rhymes and Race in America.”

Yewande’s performance, “Bridging the Gap: Rhythms, Rhymes and Race in America” traced the historical evolution of American music and popular culture. From the haunting call of the African drum and secret code of the Negro Spiritual to Native American chant, the King of Rock and hypnotic rhyme of Hip-Hop, Ms. Austin’s compelling program revealed how music established a critical dialogue during times of great conflict in America. One part narration, two parts audience participation and entertaining live performances, the program left the crowd in Gaborone cheering for more! Through her musical-historical study of the social strata, race, class and culture, Yewande taught us to discover that we have much more in common than history books have led us to believe, whether we live in Gaborone or Georgia, Mochudi or Mogadishu, Francistown or Freetown.

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS

SSI peer educator, Keamogetswe Tebogo Charles Segone recites his original poetry composition for Her Royal Highness Princess Anne

Her Royal Highness, Princess Royal Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise

Mused by royal greatness my pen squiggles

Amazed, my heart lingers in awe.

In her presence, flowers blossom, trees wrestle,

birds sing

Signifying absolute joy.

Praises be to Her Royal Highness, praises be

 

To this world she is a guardian angel,

To this world she is a servant of goodwill,

To this world she is a sentry on duty

As she strives for a better world.

Praises be to Her Royal Highness, praises be

 

Though privileged, selfless and loving she is,

Her deeds and contributions to mankind are easily inspired.

An extraordinaire, she is, as a sportwoman and humanitarian.

Praises be to Her Royal Highness, praises be

By: Keamogetswe Tebogo Charles Segone, July 5^th 2011

Michelle Obama invites two SSI participants and their mentors to the Women’s Leadership Luncheon at Sanitas Tea Garden in Gaborone.

Michelle Obama’s recent visit to Botswana was more than just a diplomatic nicety for Goitsemodimo Monowe and Tshepiso Kgatwane, two Stepping Stones International participants. The First Lady of the United States made a lasting impression on both young ladies who were invited as guests of honour to the Women’s Leadership Luncheon on June 24th at Sanitas Tea Garden in Gaborone.

Michelle Obama inspires SSI participant, Goitsemodimo Monowe

Michelle Obama meets Lisa Jamu, Managing Director of Stepping Stones and Tshepiso

The First Lady gathered a powerful group of women, including Botswana’s first female attorney general, the dean of a medical school, a paramount chief of a tribe, and FIFA’s first female referee, along with 23 extraordinary young women, and their mentors, who had overcome incredible odds to achieve remarkable successes.  Mrs. Obama drew inspiration from their stories, and her own modest background to demonstrate the Botswana proverb,

“We are people because of other people”

couldn’t be more true. She emphasized,

“…education is a family affair. It’s a community affair particularly when it comes to educating young women.”

She addressed the families and mentors in attendance as well,

“Please make no mistake about it, that these young women are here today because of you, and who they will become in the future is because of you.”

Unity Dow meets First Lady Michelle Obama

For Tshepiso, the First Lady’s words inspired a sense of confidence and determination. She felt the collective power of the women around her that day, and was compelled by Mrs. Obama’s call to action. When asked about how Mrs. Obama’s words affected her, Goitsemodimo responded,

 

 

“As a woman, you can be a hero. You can also become a companion [to other young women]. That’s why [Mrs. Obama] brought us together, so that we could have role models and see that we too can make it.”

Apparently this forum is already having the desired impact. Goitsemodimo, an aspiring television presenter, was seated next to another young RB2 radio presenter, who told her she can do whatever she puts her mind to. When asked who Tshepsio looks up to, her eyes glance towards Goitsemodimo,

“Goitse inspires me. Everything she says is so honest and intelligent. She makes me want to be more like her.”

Lila Pavey, Program Manager at Stepping Stones, meets Michelle Obama

After the speech, Michelle Obama greeted and hugged each of the honoured guests individually. The First Lady had words of encouragement for both young women. She told Goitsemodimo, “Be strong and you can make it.” To Tshepsio she said, “You better be a strong person and never give up hope, because women are strong people and never give up.”

Surely Michelle Obama’s message will stay with these young leaders for a lifetime, but for now they are on a mission to share her message with other Stepping Stones youth. They are determined to prove Mrs. Obama’s husband correct, that Botswana is “a vision of Africa on the move” and it will continue to be a success story because of its young people.

The United Ladies proudly display some of their finest pieces.

When Rebecca, Warona, and Lerato decided to form a company with several other Stepping Stones caregivers over a year ago, they never dreamed their handmade goods would reach the White House.

The United Ladies is a small enterprise that makes traditional Botswana dresses and jewelry from recycled materials to earn an income and support their families. Upon learning of the First Lady of the United States’ visit to Botswana, the group made two necklaces from recycled paper, one in green for Michelle Obama, and the other cream white for Mrs. Marian Robinson, Michelle’s mother.

Rebecca had the opportunity to present the gifts to Mrs. Robinson, along with the Stepping Stones youth who had made bracelets with beads from recycled magazines for daughters Malia and Sasha and niece Leslie, a friendship bracelet in Botswana colours for nephew Avery, as well as a collar made from recycled billboard for the First Dog, Bo. Rebecca and the youth had been invited for an afternoon session of bead making with the Obama family at the Grand Palm Hotel in Gaborone, while Mrs. Obama had lunch with women leaders at Sanitas Tea Garden.

The United Ladies beamed with pride as they spoke about giving their necklaces to the Obamas, “We were proud because it was the first time [Mrs. Robinson] saw our products, the ones we had made with our hands,” said Warona Molefe with a big smile.

Positioned in the Grand Palm Hotel on June 24^th and 25^th in Gaborone during the First Lady’s first official visit to Botswana, the United Ladies and Mochudi Art Masters, a company founded by Stepping Stones youth, shared a unique opportunity to market their handcrafted recycled merchandise. The grassroots companies sold a wide array of merchandise, including jewelry, bookmarks, traditional clothing, recycled billboard bags, keychains, and magnets. The Grand Palm was more than just the place where they met the First Family. For some of the participants, it was their first elevator ride, their first full-body scan, and their first time to use automatic faucets and hand dryers. It was a truly memorable experience all around.

The First Family will not be the only Americans sporting their goods. The First Lady’s Chief of Staff, White House staff, the Secret Service, international press and US Embassy representatives lined up to purchase their products for friends and loved ones back home. The revenue earned was equivalent to roughly half a month’s salary. When asked what she would do with her earnings, Rebecca Lebekwe, a member of the United Ladies replied, “We will buy food for our families. We want to do better for our children, they depend on us.”