Stepping Stones International
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| Abbreviation | SSI |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Type | Non-governmental organisation |
| Focus | Youth development, education, child protection, life skills |
| Headquarters | Mochudi, Botswana |
| Website | steppingstonesintl |
Stepping Stones International (SSI) is a non-governmental organization based in Botswana that works with children, adolescents and young people through programmes focused on youth development, education support, life skills, child protection and family strengthening. Established in 2006, the organisation has implemented community-based programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable children and youth in Botswana.[1][2]
History
Stepping Stones International was established in 2006 in Botswana. The organisation initially focused on providing support services for children and young people through educational assistance, mentoring and community-based interventions.
In 2011, the organisation officially launched its centre in Mochudi, Kgatleng District, with programmes supporting orphans and vulnerable children. The launch was covered by the Botswana newspaper Mmegi, which reported on the organisation’s work with children and young people in the community.[3]
Over time, SSI expanded its activities to include youth empowerment, child protection initiatives, educational support and community engagement programmes.[4]
Programmes and activities
Youth development and education
Stepping Stones International has implemented programmes designed to support young people's educational and personal development. Activities have included academic support, mentoring, leadership development, life skills education and preparation for employment opportunities.[5]
The organisation has also conducted financial literacy and entrepreneurship-related initiatives aimed at improving young people's knowledge and skills for economic participation. Such programmes have received support from private-sector partners, including initiatives involving Barclays Botswana.[6]
Child protection
SSI has participated in child protection initiatives addressing issues affecting children and young people in Botswana. Through its Gaining Traction by Action project, the organisation worked on identifying gaps in child protection services and increasing awareness of child safety issues.[7]
In 2017, SSI collaborated with stakeholders, including the European Union, on the Ke Boikarabelo Jwa Rona campaign, an initiative focused on raising awareness about child sexual abuse and strengthening child protection responses.[8]
Community and family programmes
The organisation has conducted programmes involving families, schools and communities. These initiatives have included parenting support, psychosocial assistance and community awareness activities.
In 2021, SSI launched an educational initiative involving a library project aimed at increasing access to reading resources for children and young people.[9]
SSI has also expanded some of its community programmes beyond Mochudi. In 2015, the organisation introduced activities in Tutume, working with schools and community structures to provide support services for young people.[10]
Partnerships and collaborations
Stepping Stones International has collaborated with government institutions, development organisations and private-sector partners in implementing youth and child-focused programmes.
The organisation has worked with stakeholders involved in child protection, education and youth development, including government departments and civil society organisations.[11]
In 2022, a project implemented by SSI received support through the Government of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, which supports community-level development initiatives.[12]
See also
References
- ↑ Social and Behaviour Change Landscape Analysis for Botswana (PDF) (Report). UNICEF Botswana. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Home". steppingstonesintl.org. Retrieved 2026-08-03.
- ↑ "Stepping Stones International launched". Mmegi. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "African CSO Platform". csoplatform.africa. Retrieved 2026-08-03.
- ↑ Social and Behaviour Change Landscape Analysis for Botswana (PDF) (Report). UNICEF Botswana. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Financial literacy can alleviate poverty". Mmegi. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Stepping Stone preaches child protection". Daily News Botswana. 16 December 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Organisations step up fight for child protection". Daily News Botswana. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Stepping Stones International launches initiative". Daily News Botswana. 24 May 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Stepping Stones International spreads to Tutume". Daily News Botswana. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Engagement on fight against abuse". Daily News Botswana. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
- ↑ "Japan boosts Stepping Stone project". Daily News Botswana. Retrieved 3 August 2026.
External links
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