In this mining town known for diamonds, another kind of wealth is emerging: the potential of young people long overlooked. On a bright afternoon in a community hall, a different kind of ceremony unfolded—one where jewels are nurtured in classrooms, workshops, and leadership camps rather than mined from the earth.
The applause was loud, the pride unmistakable, as a cohort of young people—many unemployed, some out of school, others young mothers—crossed the stage to mark the end of six months that had reshaped their lives.
“These young people are not just graduates,” said Segaetsho Shado Ramahobo-Moofise, Environmental Manager at Debswana’s Jwaneng Mine. “This occasion marks the conclusion of six months filled with hard work, dedication, and personal growth for this remarkable group of young individuals.”
The event marked the graduation of the Economic Advancement and Leadership Program, a joint initiative between Debswana and Stepping Stones International (SSI), an organisation quietly reshaping Botswana’s approach to youth empowerment.
“For us, the mission has always been simple, if demanding,” said Kgalalelo Phiri, SSI Programmes Supervisor in Jwaneng. “Stepping Stones is built on a mission to unlock the potential of orphans aged 12 to 25 through a holistic approach that activates sustainable opportunities for them to become self-sufficient.”
Founded in 2006, SSI envisions a world where vulnerable youth are empowered to become leaders and achieve their dreams. “Our mission guides every opportunity and activity we implement,” Phiri said. “We believe every person deserves a chance to thrive emotionally, socially, and economically. The program builds self-confidence and prepares youth for the future.”
The readiness she describes is built through layered programs. The six-month Young Mothers Programme equips unemployed women with life and parenting skills. The Leadership Programme, also six months, offers out-of-school youth exposure to entrepreneurial and job readiness skills.
Through its partnership with Debswana, SSI’s reach has broadened. “We have partnered with Debswana through a program called Shaping the Now and the Future of Young Minds and Families. It focuses on leadership development, self-sufficiency, and essential skills like digital literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship,” Phiri said.
For Debswana, the collaboration is central to its Corporate Social Investment strategy. “This program develops the socio-emotional skills of young people,” Ramahobo-Moofise said. “It enhances self-confidence, motivation, leadership, and resilience, while improving understanding of economic advancement.”
Targeted at youth aged 18 to 25, especially out-of-school and unemployed individuals, the program rests on five pillars: leadership, career development, healthy lifestyles, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. “These areas are essential life skills designed to prepare our graduates to navigate the professional world, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute to their communities,” Ramahobo-Moofise said.
Since its 2023 launch, the program has enrolled 199 youth in Jwaneng and Sese. Of these, 49 have found employment, four have started businesses, and 10 have returned to school. Local employers have praised the professionalism, discipline, and quality of the graduates.
“This aligns with Vision 2036,” Ramahobo-Moofise said, “which aims to create a prosperous, inclusive, and knowledge-based economy.”
The impact extends beyond statistics. Young mothers are learning to view their children as bonds rather than burdens, while young men and women are discovering their potential as leaders and entrepreneurs.
“Every opportunity we create is done with one idea,” Phiri said. “Every person, no matter their circumstances, deserves the chance to thrive.”
SSI has been active in Botswana for 18 years, addressing social, behavioural, and structural challenges while building life skills, socio-emotional competencies, leadership capacity, and economic empowerment. Its programs work closely with families and communities to create safe and nurturing environments.
Under the “Shaping the Now & the Future of Young Minds & Families” initiative, Debswana and SSI target youth, their families, and communities with evidence-based curricula. Key objectives include increasing risk perception and resilience regarding HIV, substance abuse, and gender-based violence, while building socio-emotional skills such as self-efficacy, motivation, leadership, and resilience.
The programs also aim to increase nurturing caregivers and reduce community social ills. Outcomes include lower high-risk behaviours, positive parenting, and supportive community environments.
Program Highlights
∙ Social and Financial Literacy (Aflateen Plus): Delivered in multiple schools, reaching 1,616 participants, building financial habits, entrepreneurial skills, and self-belief.
∙ Parenting for Parents and Teens (Pinagare): Weekly 14-week sessions improving communication, reducing risky behaviours, and teaching positive parenting. Reached 360 families across Sese, Maboane, Jwaneng, and Maokane.
∙ Young Mothers Programme: Six-month support for 53 young mothers, covering parenting, reproductive health, and career/education guidance.
∙ Leader Within Programme: Six-month combination of leadership, social and financial literacy, and career readiness. Reached 199 youth, with 132 completing; 49 employed, four started businesses, and 10 returned to school.
Additionally, SSI and Debswana run the DREAMS initiative (Determined, Resilient, AIDS-free, Mentored, Safe) aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Since February 2024, 17,000 AGYW have accessed safe spaces with social, financial, health, and cognitive support. The initiative referred 3,002 AGYW to PrEP, 2,750 to contraceptive services, 4,320 for HIV testing, and supported 5,465 AGYW to start businesses, return to school, or find employment.
