Botho: Botswana’s Commitment to Compassion
Botswana’s strategy to improve its socio- economic and political development, Vision 2016: “Towards Prosperity for All”, outlines seven goals or pillars. One of these is to be a compassionate and just nation by 2016.The Vision, put together by Batswana, speaks of the need for a compassionate people and a compassionate Botswana. With its concrete and strategic sets of goals it will achieve great things to address problems in society. However, it requires a major push through a care campaign to nurture the virtue of compassion and change mind sets. This is how the Botho Compassion Movement can make a difference.
From President Khama, 2012:
“Let us join hands in the spirit of Botho and spare a thought for those who are less fortunate and privileged than us. Let us think of the infirm, the aged, and the orphans who too want to be loved and to receive a gift of love on this day. So please reach out and carry out acts of compassion to them.” - President Ian Khama (Christmas 2012)
What are the signs of a compassionless society?
- Fear & Anger
- Lack of Charity
- Depression
- Lack of Self Esteem & Self Worth
- Unemployment
- Youth dis-empowerment
- Broken Families
- Suicide
- Rape
- Murder
What are the benefits of compassion?
- Alleviates Suffering
- Promotes Peace
- Improves Health & Recovery
- Improves Community Engagement
- Improves Interpersonal Relationships
- Improves Family Cohesiveness
- Improves Productivity
- People Share Resources.
- Improves Education
- Increases Business Turnover (Customer retention & recommendation)
- Improves the Economy
- Improves the Environment
- Improves Country’s Reputation