Botswana

The partner of FELM in Botswana is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Botswana (ELCB). The 43 congregations of the Church are spread through out the country. The largest congregations are in the vicinity of Gaborone.

FELM staff work for the ELCB in

• Diaconia and congregational work
• Music and education
• Child sponsorship
• The Thuso Rehabilitation Centre

Ministry and Congregational Work

The aim of the Church in Botswana is to work towards financial sustainability. This is, in part, implemented by developing the skills of the Church leadership and members.

The Church has been operating through its active members who volunteer to work for the Church as missionaries in Botswana, particularly in the poor areas surrounding the industrial area of Francistown. In addition the Church organizes Sunday school and confirmation school activities and offers music courses.

FELM supports the Church in Botswana financially and seconds staff for

• Education
• Health care
• Diaconia and congregational work

Community Support and Capacity Building

The Thuso rehabilitation centre that is supported by the Church in Botswana has been operational in the North since 1987. In Thuso, collaboration is being developed between village communities and the Government health care services. The aim is to have trained people tasked with supporting the disabled and their families.

In the rehabilitation centre the disabled can participate in vocational skills development such as leather work, sewing, gardening and knitting. The disabled receive physio-, occupational and speech therapy. Two Finnish Theraplay- trainers organize courses in the centre.

FELM has supported the centre since it opened. The Government also provides funding for the centre.

Child sponsorship is an important part of FELM’s work in Botswana. Many poor vulnerable children have received the opportunity to go to school due to their Finnish sponsors. The sponsorship also covers the cost of school uniforms, shoes, education materials and the nursery school expenses of younger children.

HIV/AIDS

Botswana is one of the most severely HIV/AIDS affected countries in the world. Over 40% of the population is estimated to be infected. In urban centres this percentage is estimated to be even higher.

The HIV/AIDS programme of the ELCB is constantly being developed. Some congregations have support groups for HIV infected and their families. HIV/AIDS awareness is provided to the Church members.