Many young people in Botswana and Malawi are growing up in environments shaped by persistent socio-economic challenges, including high unemployment, elevated HIV prevalence, increased levels of violence, and rising rates of teenage pregnancy. A stepping stone in the health, education, and social sectors can help reshape these trajectories, giving young people the opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential.
VISION
Our vision is a world where children and youth who are vulnerable, are empowered to become leaders and achieve their dreams.
MISSION
To unlock the potential of vulnerable children and youth ages 12-25 through holistic development, strengthening families and activating sustainable opportunities to become self-sufficient.
Stepping Stones International (SSI) has been transforming the lives of vulnerable children, youth, and families in Botswana. Since 2006, we have empowered young people aged 12–25 to unlock their potential and thrive.
Guided by the socio-ecological model, our programs address not just the individual, but their families and communities, shaping environments for lasting impact. SSI focuses on three pillars: child and youth empowerment, family enrichment, and advocacy for child protection. All initiatives are co-created with communities, ensuring they are meaningful, evidence-based, and transformative.
Our Programs
Our programs help young people mend the invisible wounds of the past, rediscover the joy of childhood, and step confidently into adulthood as resilient, self-reliant leaders of tomorrow.
CHILD & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
family nurturing
Over the past 20 years, Stepping Stones International has impacted more than 17,000 children and youth. SSI helped 300+ youth access employment, entrepreneurship, or education, improve mental well-being, and build the resilience needed to thrive through life’s challenges. Our life skills programs equip children and youth with resilience to face life, relationships, and peer pressure with confidence. At the same time, 500+ families have grown stronger, improving communication and creating safer, more nurturing homes where children can thrive.
let's Stand Together
Support our Children
Together, we turn life’s obstacles into stepping stones for children and youth.
Latest News
Women's Day
We honoured the invitation of the United Nations resident Coordinator Ms Wenyan Yang and celebrated the International Women's Day through networking with other amazing women.
STEM Learning
Participants were revising Geography in preparation for their final examinations — demonstrating how technology meaningfully enhances academic engagement, independent learning, and overall performance.
Women's Day
Through our European Union–funded project, Tsexg’ae (“Working Together”), we trained civil society organizations in the Ghanzi District on advocacy, who then empowered community members to become Advocacy Change Agents in their communities.
