Childline signs MoU with the Department of Social Services (DSS)

In a landmark event on 12th of June 2008, Childline Botswana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its main governmental partner, the Department of Social Services (DSS). It symbolizes the strives we have made in terms of building partnerships between government and non-government and marks the concrete outcome of a relationship of trust.

The MoU recognizes our mutual technical expertise and acknowledges us as NGOs as a resource that can be utilized. It acknowledges our contributions we have made towards achieving our common national goals and the fact that NGOs have been playing an essential role in development in Botswana. It also highlights the need to work together closely to improve the lives of our children in Botswana.

Our Vision 2016 talks about partnerships with the private sector and NGOs targeting vulnerable groups, such as orphans. It was acknowledged right from the beginning that the implementation of the Vision would need full cooperation from all stakeholders, amongst them NGOs. It is stated that 'there must be an effective stakeholder partnership where all parties recognize that co-operation will benefit everyone'. On the 12th of June we saw such partnerships take a very determined shape and direction.

The MoU clearly defines our mutual responsibilities. We hope that it will lead to speedier, more child-centred, more holistic and rights-based service provision on the ground, so that more children benefit from quality services. Childline Botswana committed itself to fulfill its roles and responsibilities as stipulated in the MoU to the best of its professional and ethical abilities in the best interest of the children.