45%
Of Botswana’s poor are children
Widespread poverty
Tlokweng has been directly affected by Gaborone’s rapid population growth and the problems that come along with that. Lack of housing, schooling and health services are common issues in the region.
Recent economic growth in Botswana has lifted thousands out of poverty, especially in rural areas as agriculture-related incomes have increased. However, in cities, many people, nearly half of them children, remain poor or at risk of falling back into poverty. In fact, over 45% of Botswana’s poor are children under the age of 15.
1 in 5
People in Botswana are living with HIV/AIDS
Health
Botswana has made enormous efforts to fight HIV/AIDS and provide antiretroviral treatment to those affected. But it remains an uphill battle, as it is estimated that about 1 in 5 people are living with the virus. Thousands of children in the Tlokweng and Gaborone area have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it in the next few years. Most of the time, these children are cared for by the extended family, but sometimes it is impossible for the extended family to take responsibility for even more children.
Your support makes a difference for children in Tlokweng
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Are supported in the community
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
![]()
Children leaving their afternoon classes. We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Botswana).
How your support helps in Tlokweng
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.