SETSWANA

Bridges of Hope is a Christian based charity working with and advocating for disadvantaged communities in Ghanzi District, Botswana. We focus on developing the skills of young people, inspiring personal development and caring for orphans and vulnerable. Our vision is to see Ghanzi District free of HIV/AIDS.

Set up in 1992 as part of the social arm of the Reformed Church, Bridges of Hope seeks to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS by empowering vulnerable members of the community to lift themselves out of poverty. Working from the position that tackling HIV/AIDS requires not just sexual health information, Bridges of Hope provides people with a broad range of help. This includes small scale business start up, vocational training for young people, advice and help for those who have dropped out of formal education as well as more traditional welfare help in accessing medical aid and state benefits.

Tseeku Family

The Tseeku Family

When Bridges of Hope first met Mma Tseeku she was caring for her 22 year old daughter Qane. Qane was extremely sick and weak due to her HIV/AIDS. Bridges of Hope provided transport for Qane to the hospital where she was admitted for treatment. The mother's Omang (ID card; necessary to access most government services) had expired. Bridges of Hope staff helped her through the application process. A few weeks after Qane was admitted to hospital her condition worsened and she died, leaving a 4 year old son. Bridges of Hope helped the family through the process of obtaining Qane's death certificate. They then went on to help register Axhara, the orphaned child of Qane. By registering Axhara he is now entitled to state help.