MDG 4 seeks to reduce child mortality. BOFWA has implemented “Abortion” into its strategic elements and it has launched a platform by which the youth can offer peer education. BOFWA further addresses MDG 5 to improve maternal health by offering services the youth can volunteer into. It is targeted at youth reproductive health in general, which is critical for maternal health because it addresses premature pregnancy. This is a serious maternal health risk.
MDG 6 aims to halt and reverse the incidence of HIV, particularly among the youth. There are already programs such as SUGA and “Ntlwa Kgolo” which seek to symbolically model behaviour to the youth as well as sensitize them through vicarious learning. Most of the actors are youth. MDG 7 seeks to ensure environmental sustainability and it starts with just being responsible enough to clean-up after oneself. The youth need re-education on basic morals and values and education on how the outlook of the environment reflects upon us as a society.
MDG 8 is targeted at developing a global partnership and almost every youth is privileged to have means that connect them to the internet. The youth could use this platform to create global partnerships that can help in developing Botswana. The Government has also started the School Connectivity Initiative to provide internet access to secondary schools; the youth can extend their volunteer services here.
In conclusion the youth’s participation in community development through the means I have expounded can help ensure Botswana meet her vision by 2016. It is upon the youth to now “do” more.
