Africa-Press – Botswana. The Orapa Scouts Association recently hosted the Botswana Scouts Association in Orapa for a five day leadership course that concluded with a formal graduation ceremony for the 2026 intake, supported by Debswana’s Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines (OLDM). The programme brought together young participants and experienced scout leaders in a structured environment focused on leadership development and practical skills. The event marked an important milestone for scouting in Botswana, reinforcing its role in shaping responsible and disciplined young citizens. The training sessions were designed to strengthen leadership capacity across different age groups and development levels. The graduation ceremony reflected the success of the programme and the commitment of all stakeholders involved. It also highlighted the continued investment in youth development within the Orapa community. The initiative demonstrated strong collaboration between scouting institutions, government leadership, and the mining sector.
Botswana Scouts Association Course Director Mr Monametsi Boikhutso provided detailed background on the structure of the training programme and its long term objectives. He explained that the association runs several development pathways designed to support different age categories, starting from youth aged 11 to 17 in the Pratol Leader programme. He also highlighted the Rover badge programme for young adults aged 17 to 26, which focuses on leadership transition and community responsibility. In addition, Assistant Leadership Training known as the Preliminary Wood Badge forms a key part of leadership preparation. The 2026 Wood Badge course was also included in this year’s training cycle, providing advanced leadership instruction for selected participants. The programme was further enriched by the participation of scout leaders from Zambia and South Africa. Their involvement brought regional experience and diverse perspectives that strengthened the learning process for all participants.
During the graduation ceremony, OLDM Assistant General Manager Mr Pabalelo Nkhwalume expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend the first Botswana Scouts Association graduation of 2026. He praised the programme for equipping young people with discipline, knowledge, and confidence to serve their communities effectively. He reaffirmed Debswana’s commitment to supporting youth development initiatives that contribute to long term national growth. He also reflected on the history of scouting in Orapa, noting that the programme had previously been discontinued before being reinstated in 2015. Since its revival, Debswana has supported the initiative through infrastructure development, including the provision of a clubhouse, an instructors’ house, and access to essential facilities. These investments have helped create a stable environment for ongoing leadership training. His remarks emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships in youth empowerment.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Honourable Major General (Rtd) Pius Mokgware, who commended Debswana OLDM for hosting the leadership course in Orapa. He emphasized the critical role scouting plays in developing responsible, independent, and community minded individuals. He noted that the programme helps instill essential life skills at an early age, including discipline, teamwork, and problem solving. The Minister further challenged the scouts to reflect on their readiness to face an increasingly complex and uncertain world. He encouraged them to embrace unity and collective responsibility, drawing reference to the national anthem’s message of nation building. His address reinforced the importance of character development as a foundation for success in modern society. He stressed that strong values remain essential in navigating changing social and economic conditions.
Councillor Mr Balopi Chilume congratulated the graduates and shared personal reflections from his experience as a former scout. He reminded participants of the scouting motto “Be Prepared” and encouraged them to apply it in their daily lives and future responsibilities. He emphasized that the skills gained during the training should not end with graduation but should guide their actions in their communities. He praised the collaboration between the Orapa Scouts Association and Debswana for delivering a successful leadership programme. His remarks highlighted the importance of consistency, discipline, and service to others. He also acknowledged the efforts of all facilitators and organizers who contributed to the success of the event. The ceremony concluded with a strong message of commitment to youth development and leadership growth in Botswana.
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