Botswana lacks Mental Health Professionals

Botswana still lacks mental health professionals on the ground despite the high numbers of social workers, psychologists and counsellors graduating annually.

“There seems to also be limited funds allocated to mental health awareness and sensitisation,” cries Naomi Mogami, the Founder of The Big Sis Movement.

However, she commends the recent efforts by other stakeholders such as private organisations which offer counselling or consultation services for free. Mogami’s organisation is passionate about empowering women and girls. It is striving for a society in which gender dynamics are constantly improving, and social cohesion is made top priority in gender development. Mogami was born in Lobatse but raised in Molapowabojang, where she completed her basic education. She studied to be a social worker and is also an HIV/AIDS counsellor. The Big Sis Movement is aimed at mentoring and empowering adolescents and youth and intends in future to run empowerment workshops and boot camps for youth across Botswana. “I hope that one day the movement would be seen as a safe haven for all young people who have nowhere to turn for emotional support, or just need guidance with important life decisions,” she said.

Mogami is happy that the world is gradually changing to accommodate women and girls.

Her parting shot: “Fear is unavoidable but regrets are tormenting; do not be afraid of taking up the space because even if you don’t get it right the first time you learn a valuable lesson. You know where to aim on your next attempt, I am telling you that you are the only person capable of standing in your way.”