BABPS and SRF Complete Extensive Community Outreach and Disability Rights Awareness Campaign in Tutume District
BABPS and SRF Complete Extensive Community Outreach and Disability Rights Awareness Campaign in Tutume District
12 June, 2026
The Botswana Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (BABPS), in partnership with Synskadades Riksförbund (SRF), has successfully concluded an extensive community outreach and human rights awareness campaign across the Tutume District and surrounding areas.
As part of its commitment to promoting disability rights and inclusion at grassroots level, BABPS adopted a decentralized approach by taking its advocacy efforts directly to communities through a multi-village Kgotla Engagement Tour. This approach enabled meaningful interaction with local stakeholders and residents in their own communities, ensuring broader participation and impact.
The campaign reached ten villages, namely Maitengwe, Nshakashokwe, Goshwe, Sebina, Nswazwi, Matobo, Changate, Dagwi, Senete, and Nkange.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
Each morning and afternoon Kgotla session facilitated open and constructive dialogue among a diverse network of stakeholders. Participants included traditional and local leadership structures such as Dikgosi, Village Development Committees (VDCs), and Village Extension Teams, as well as public safety and health officials, including local police officers, district social workers, and clinic medical staff. Spiritual leaders, particularly local pastors, also played an important role in the discussions. Community members, family caregivers, and persons with various disabilities actively participated, ensuring that the conversations reflected the experiences and needs of those directly affected.
Key Areas of Focus
Throughout the campaign, participants engaged in discussions centered on disability rights, inclusion, and community empowerment. Key topics included:
Understanding the Persons with Disability Act
Community members were educated on the rights, protections, and inclusion provisions contained in the Persons with Disability Act, with emphasis on promoting awareness and accountability at the local level.
Breaking Down Barriers
The outreach sessions addressed social stigma and discrimination while exploring practical strategies for removing physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that continue to affect persons with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Building Inclusive Communities
Stakeholders were equipped with knowledge and practical tools to create supportive environments that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in education, employment, community development, and social life.
A Collective Commitment to Inclusion
The success of the campaign demonstrates the power of collaboration between communities, traditional leadership, government structures, civil society, and development partners. Through open dialogue and shared responsibility, communities are becoming better equipped to promote dignity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all.
The BABPS Executive Committee extends its sincere appreciation to the Dikgosi, public officers, spiritual leaders, community members, and all stakeholders across the North East and Tutume regions for their warm hospitality, active participation, and unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive and barrier-free Botswana.
Together, we continue advancing the rights, empowerment, and full participation of persons with disabilities in every community.