Through our Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, Botswana Red Cross Society, Chobe Branch, reached learners at Pandamatenga, Lesoma, Kazungula, Kachikau, Satau and Parakarungu Primary Schools and Leswanii CJSS. Through discussions, group work and debates, learners explored climate change, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and environmental protection, and shared their own ideas for keeping their communities safe.

Together with the Department of Forestry and Range Resources, each school received 10 fruit and shade tree seedlings. Learners planted them with guidance from Forestry officers, learning how trees provide shade, support food production and protect the environment.

Each participating school was recognised as a Climate Change Champion, receiving a certificate and trophy for its commitment.

One learner. One action. One tree at a time.

The launch also highlighted 58 years of BRCS humanitarian contributions, recognising the National Society’s longstanding commitment to serving communities and supporting people in times of need. As Botswana reflects on six decades of independence, BRCS’s 58 years of humanitarian service stand as part of the nation’s broader story of resilience, service and solidarity.

From 14–18 September 2026 Botswana Red Cross Society is supporting Palapye District to deliver a five-day Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) training for over 30 participants from across the district.

Palapye is the second district reached through this initiative following the Northwest District training conducted last week. The training is strengthening capacity for early detection, timely reporting, verification and coordinated response to priority public health threats including the current diarrhoeal disease surge, the upcoming malaria transmission season and other climate-sensitive health risks.

During the opening remarks, Palapye District Council Acting DCS–Primary Health Ms Joyce Gabathusi emphasised the importance of translating learning into action, noting that the training is timely given the current public health context. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained to strengthen surveillance and response at district and community levels.

The rollout reinforces BRCS’s role in augmenting government efforts in disease prevention, surveillance and public health emergency preparedness. The training is supported by the Botswana Public Health Institute and World Health Organization Botswana with providing facilitators and technical guidance.

This week, our Secretary General & CEO Dr Kutlwano Mukokomani, Communications Officer Ms Sandra Sethaiso and Data Protection Officer Mr Mopati Sampisi attended the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Exercise UHURU 2026, a Combined Joint African Exercise aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and integration in Peace Support Operations.

The exercise brings together staff colleges from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including Botswana, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This exercise gives BRCS an opportunity to understand how national and regional security actors respond to crises and to strengthen relationships that could be useful during emergencies.

The Red Cross helps reinforce principles such as neutrality and impartiality which are important when military and humanitarian actors are operating in the same environment.

Yesterday, BRCS Secretary General & CEO, Dr Kutlwano Mukokomani, hosted delegates from the Finnish Red Cross and IFRC during their monitoring visit to Botswana for the DREF-supported flood response.

The visit was an opportunity to appreciate the continued support and solidarity of our partners in helping BRCS respond to communities affected by floods.

Discussions also looked ahead to strengthening collaboration, disaster preparedness and community resilience.

Dr Mukokomani expressed sincere appreciation for the continued partnership, solidarity and commitment of the IFRC in supporting BRCS to deliver timely and meaningful assistance to vulnerable communities.

Together, we are turning partnership into action and action into impact.