Muriel Williams Sanderson
Sister-in-law to Botswana's first President, Sir Seretse Khama, came to speak with the youth about her many years of experience volunteering in Africa.
more

Steve Hamilton
A former drug and alcohol addict and author of "I Want My Life Back," was invited to speak
more

SSI Youth Star in Community Dramas:

After wrapping up rehearsals that started in September, 2009, the participants at SSI performed dramas depicting problems youth face in schools around Kgatleng District. Months of preparation resulted in stellar performances by our youth. Performances were held at Stepping Stones International’s centre for our community stakeholders and at the Kgotla for community members. Between January 27 and February 17, 2010, our youth performed at 6 area schools, including primary, junior secondary and the senior secondary school in the district. A total of 600 students viewed the dramas and participated in the discussions that followed, led by SSI youth. The students were engaged and excited when watching the dramas and participating in the discussions. Topics covered in the dramas and discussions included drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, peer pressure, intergenerational sex, and multiple concurrent partners.

SSI youth had many positive things to say about their roles in the dramatic performances:

“We can go around a few schools like Molefi, Segale, Radikolo and even at the kgotla to show the chief and other people that we can make it as the Stepping Stones International kids.”
“I learned that you can wake up and act in front of people and not be scared of anything.”
“[Drama] teaches us leadership as it makes us to be able to stand in front of different people and it is also enjoyable and exciting.”

“I have learned that I can stand in front of people performing to them what I have been taught and it also encourages one’s creativity as you need to plan things you can say to people in order to spread your message of the play.”

“I have learned that I have amazing skills.”

Stepping Stones International wants to thank Millennium Production House for their collaboration with this project, and AED for the funding of the project.

Horseback Riding:
Four Stepping Stones participants were entered in a competition of horsemanship and riding. Two took first place honors and two more won third place awards. They have been involved in an intense program for one year which has taught them about the horses, care and handling and the proper riding techniques.

Journal Writing:
Participants are encouraged to express themselves in a number of creative ways. Every member is given a blank notebook to decorate and use as a journal for scripting their feelings and thoughts. Various methods of writing, to include self- expression and composition, are taught as a means of seeing themselves in print in a free and creative way.

Motlhodi Initiation Camp- is a psycho-social support retreat camp model that is set in the traditional initiation school setting. Through this camp we work towards merging the Setswana traditions and the urban youth culture as the participants are beginning to plan their futures. Stepping Stones believes in programs that are culturally relevant to our members. The model allows youth to discuss their past and create their future, a process that demands self introspection. In keeping with SSI's principles, this camp model is based on goal setting. Some of the activities implemented during the one week camp include a traditional initiation and mock wedding, sports, drama, discussions about communication and healthy relationships, and game drives around Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

Organic Gardening:
Barclays Bank of Botswana has generously donated $102,000 to start an organic gardening and marketing project. Youth at Stepping Stones International will learn how to plant, grow, and market organic vegetables in the community. The vegetables grown in the garden will be used to provide food for the participants' daily meal at the center, for families and for sell. Youth will learn about how to manage funds that are received through marketing vegetables in the community.

Job Skills:
Selwana from BDZ4U (Beads for You) is assisting with teaching youth at Stepping Stones how to design beaded jewelry. Selwana started BDZ4U as a fun and creative way to generate income through making and selling various types of beaded jewelry, as well as beading supplies. Selwana will be continuing to work with youth at SSI to help them come up with creative items to market for their income generating projects through the Barclays grant.