News

In a significant step towards strengthening community-based interventions and experiential learning, the University of Botswana (UB) Department of Social Work and Community Development has operationalised its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Botswana Police Service (BPS) through the deployment of its first cohort of third-year students to the BPS Gender and Family Support Unit.

The student social workers were officially welcomed by Senior Assistant Commissioner Goitseone Ngono, who underscored the increasingly community-centred and evolving nature of modern policing. Addressing the students during the reception ceremony, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ngono noted that the cohort was joining the police service at a critical time when many social challenges were rapidly shifting into digital and domestic spaces.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Ngono explained that the students would play an active role in supporting frontline interventions in areas such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), where they would help strengthen psychosocial support systems and crisis response mechanisms for survivors. The students are also expected to contribute towards addressing the socio-economic and psychological impact of online betting particularly among young people as well as assist in responding to the growing prevalence of cyber harassment including online bullying, cyberstalking and digital exploitation.

“The police service is a dynamic institution that remains deeply rooted in the community,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner Ngono. “We are highly gratified to receive this inaugural cohort of student social workers. Their presence is greatly appreciated and their specialised skills will significantly enhance our capacity to support vulnerable members of society.”

Dr Kgomotso Jongman, the Department’s Fieldwork Coordinator, expressed appreciation to the BPS for providing practical learning opportunities to the students. Dr Jongman assured BPS leadership that the cohort had undergone rigorous academic and field preparation to effectively integrate into the demanding frontline environment.

“As a premier institution of higher learning, our mandate is to produce well-rounded graduates who are fully prepared to serve the nation,” said Dr Jongman. “Our students have been comprehensively equipped to confront complex and contemporary social challenges and we are confident they will make a meaningful contribution to the police service and the wider community.”

The attachment reflects the University of Botswana’s continued commitment to civic engagement, institutional collaboration, and the development of localised solutions to pressing national challenges.