Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana is witnessing a powerful collaboration between the United States (US) Department of State’s International Visitors Learning Programme (IVLP) and 14 dedicated pastors.
Together, they are joining forces with the Botswana Police Service, District Commissioner’s offices and dikgotla to provide the much-needed support to couples facing turbulent relationships.
As the world gears up for the annual 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), these faith leaders are about to make waves with a series of groundbreaking Male Pitsos (community dialogues).
Speaking an alumna of the US IVLP, Ms Bridget Mphusu said the goal was to engage and inspire 50 men at each location, led by none other than the faith leaders themselves, alongside the Botswana Police and Prison services.
It is an initiative designed to turn the tide against GBV and create a platform for collective action. Mark your calendars for this transformative journey in Gaborone on November 15.
During this extraordinary session, a special guest, the US Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Howard van Vranken, will grace the occasion.
This dynamic leader will uplift and inspire both participants and facilitators, setting the stage for an incredible day of growth and awareness.
Ms Mphusu said participants would then be divided into smaller groups of 25, with each faith leader steering intensive two to three-hour sessions.
The day will culminate with a comprehensive assessment of the knowledge gained and a sense of fulfillment as the event concludes.
The project’s vision extends to securing a platform for a faith leader at the national commemoration of the 16 days of activism against GBV in 2023.
In this influential slot, a faith leader will have five minutes to speak.
But in those precious moments, they will cast a spotlight on the indispensable role of faith leaders in wiping out GBV in Botswana.
The aim is to rekindle a fire in the hearts of faith leaders nationwide, urging them to champion healthy relationships and dissuade people from enduring violence in the name of faith.
Amidst this wave of transformation, Reverend Molemosi Nkabarang, one of the faith leaders on this journey, shares his profound insights.
This initiative has instilled in him an unwavering commitment to combat GBV.
Reverend Nkabarang reflects on the programme’s core objective – to prepare pastors to be active contributors to the solution against GBV.
For him, this is not just a programme; it is a call to action.
Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 58:12, these pastors adopted the poignant phrase, ‘Repairers of the breach’, and the name ‘Babaakanyi’ to symbolise their involvement in the fight against GBV.
For Reverend Nkabarang, the training provides unique tools – a blend of counselling skills and divine inspiration.
He emphasises the advantage of being able to use both acquired counselling expertise and the guidance of the Holy Spirit when addressing GBV issues.
Intriguingly, the reverend underscores the significance of impacting individuals inwardly, understanding that true change begins from within, and it subsequently reflects in their outward behaviour.
It is a concept that goes beyond surface-level advice and delves deep into the human psyche to bring about lasting transformation.
Reverend Nkabarang shares insights into the principles of counselling that the programme has instilled in him.
These principles include acceptance, effective communication, empathy, a non-judgemental attitude, confidentiality, and the avoidance of emotional involvement.
These are the building blocks of effective counselling in the context of GBV.
The faith leader expressed how the programme opened his eyes to the stark realities of GBV.
He delves into the profound difference between sex and gender, emphasising the various forms that GBV can take.
What sets this training apart is the understanding of the telltale signs of GBV, whether in the perpetrator or the victim, enabling faith leaders to intervene effectively.
Reverend Nkabarang sees this workshop as an essential tool for pastors in Botswana who aspire to be part of the solution against GBV.
For him and his fellow faith leaders, it is not just a programme; it is a mission.
As ‘Babaakanyi’, they have embraced the responsibility to be repairers of the breach, to mend the torn fabric of society, and to stand as beacons of hope and transformation in the face of GBV.
This is a story of such faith leaders as Reverend Nkabarang, who are not just accepting a role, but embracing a calling.
Their journey has just begun, and the impact they are set to make is bound to be profound.
This is a narrative of empowerment, unity, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter, safer future for Botswana.
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