News

University of Botswana (UB) Social Work Society (UBSWS) launched a targeted community outreach initiative at Mmaphashalala Primary School on the 14th November 2025, aimed at addressing rising concerns surrounding child rights violations, truancy and various forms of abuse affecting young people in the area.

The society identified Mmaphashalala Primary School with the help of school teachers spearheading child issues that branch into truancy among students, defilement, child sexual abuse, poor parenting and cultural practices contributing to violation of children rights as well as poor academic performances.

Speaking during the launch of the outreach programme, member of the UBSWS, Ms Olebile Baile, described child abuse as child maltreatment and neglects that occur to children under 18 years of age. She revealed that child abuse included all types of physical, emotional ill- treatment, sexual abuse, neglect and other exploitation that resulted in potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.

She further highlighted that signs of child that experienced abuse included shift in behaviour and temperament without obvious trigger, looking unclean, unexplained bruises, genital pain, fear of parents or caregivers, frequent absence from school, being withdrawal, bullying, trouble learning and paying attention, avoiding physical contact with adults and peers.

Member of the society, Ms Pricess Tshuma, advised the children not to let fear or embarrassment prevent them from seeking help when they experienced any form of abuse or violence. She encouraged the students to seek help from peers or trusted adults such as teachers, school councillor, school head, relatives, neighbours, health professionals and police.

In addition, another member of the society, Ms Abigail Moshe, said prevention and responding to child abuse required a multi-sectoral approach such as parents and care givers support, enforcement of law and increasing enrolment in quality education to allow children acquire knowledge, skills and experience that build resilience and reduce risk factors of violence.  

Mmaphashalala Primary School Head, Mrs Saone Ogotseng, applauded UB students for their commitment to social change, noting that such initiatives reflected the core values of the social work profession. She further welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that the presence of the UB team would help reduce cases of misconduct and create a safer environment for children.