Tracking footprints in Botswana

Refilwe Motlhanka, from SOS Childrens Village Tlokweng, Botswana, tells us a bit about her journey since leaving the Village:

"I came to SOS Children’s Villages in Botswana on 1992 at the age of nine. Together with my four siblings, we were raised in a family of 12 in the Village. Having come from difficult circumstances, having a single mother who was unemployed, my twin sister and I were determined to grab any opportunity given to us by SOS to improve our lives.

When we finished Junior School we could not proceed to high school because we did not gain the required marks. That did not discourage us, instead it gave us even more reason to work harder and open our minds to opportunities. In 1999, we were among some children from the Village who were sent on a diploma course in Hotel and Hospitality in Windhoek, Namibia. Upon completion I worked for a few hotels in Botswana, before winning a scholarship from the Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana to be Africa’s cultural representative at Disney World in America. My experience there was amazing and with the support and advice from my SOS parents, I made sure that I learnt a lot of things on my trip.

At the end of December 2004, I moved to the UK where I worked in a number of companies before returning home in 2007. With my rich knowledge in hospitality and public relations, I got a job with Stanbic Bank Botswana immediately upon my return, and that is where I am currently working as an Account Support Officer.

Throughout my endeavours I have learnt perseverance and determination. I decided to make my life meaningful and at any opportunity I encourage people to follow their dreams and never fall into the victim mentality. Thank you SOS!"