Autism Botswana

12/04/2026

Ms Nonofo Kgopisi is a Transition Support Officer at Motse Wa Badiri Training qualified with a Bachelor of social Work from the University of Botswana. She is a Social Worker committed to empowering people with disabilities. She facilitates smooth transition for learners and graduates with various abilities such as the transit from training to attachment, further education, Tirelo Sechaba and employment. This is a way of providing inclusion and human dignity to the graduates.
Through skills acquired as a professional social worker l, she works with learners, graduates, families, area social workers and different service providers to provide tailored support that meets each person's needs. Her efforts enhance individuals with disabilities to receive guidance, advocacy and resources necessary to integrate in the workplace or their communities. Nonofo's work contributes to creating supportive pathways to enhance independence and wellbeing of individuals. She believes in a holistic approach, addressing emotional, social, psychological and practical needs. This effort enables each person to grow, participate and leading a sustainable life.

11/04/2026

Portia Monga is passionate about supporting individuals with special needs and helping them thrive in their communities. She is currently the Principal of Rankoromane School under the Camphill Community Trust, where she leads programmes that promote inclusive learning, life skills, and holistic development. Before this, she spent five years as the Integrated Life Coaching Coordinator at Motse wa Badiri Training Centre, working closely with young adults with severe disabilities, guiding their learning, personal growth, and transition into adulthood.
Portia is completing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Botswana and is part of the first cohort of Camphill Academy Afrika’s 3-year programme in Anthroposophic therapeutic education. She is currently co-authoring a book chapter on transition to employment in Botswana. Her work is driven by a deep belief in inclusive education and empowering learners with disabilities to participate fully and live meaningful lives.

11/04/2026

Mr Moatshe's philosophy is that service surpasses all other pursuits. Each one of us is given talents, abilities, and insights that are best used in the service of humanity and that those who fulfils that mission lead the most rewarding lives. Previously, David worked as Quality Assurance Officer at Motse Wa Badiri at Camphill Community Trust from 2011 - 2019. Currently, he is the Professional Development and Advocacy Officer at Camphill. He is co-authoring a chapter for the book titled: Career Transitioning for Youth with Disabilities in Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa: Policies and Best Practices. David and others at Camphill developed a National Qualification for Teacher Aides and Learning Support Workers which has been submitted with Botswana Qualifications Authority for accreditation. In 2020-2021 at the University of Queensland, David completed a Master of Educational Studies (Major-Leadership) Additionally, David has a Post Graduate diploma in Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Visual Arts all received from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria State in Australia.

10/04/2026

09/04/2026

Kgosi L. Tau is a 21-year old creative and prospective university student, using his own experiences of living as a neurodivergent in Southern Africa to bridge understanding in his community and wider society in Botswana. Diagnosed with Autism at the age of 4 in 2009, he had made it his mission to not let his diagnosis define him or his life story. Equipped with a lifelong passion for acting and the stage, Kgosi participated in several theatre productions in between previous schools Thornhill Primary School and Maru-A-Pula School, most notably playing lead character Zweli Mangena in Maru-A-Pula’s adaptation of Bopha! in 2022.

In 2023, Kgosi had raised over P2000 for Autism Botswana in organising a civvies day concluding a week of Autism Awareness which he had organised at Maru-A-Pula. This had effectively begun his journey of advocacy as a result. Following its success, he co-formed a Maru-A-Pula service called EduNOW in 2024 which focuses on addressing the importance of education within Botswana’s public sector through workshops designed at understanding neurodiversity/learning disabilities, study skills and peer-to-peer encouragement in secondary schools such as Sir Seretse Khama Memorial School, Tlokweng Junior Secondary School, Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School and Nanogang Junior Secondary School alongside a successful stationery and book drive for the students of Hatsalatladi Primary School in 2025. In that same year, he co-organized a successful open-mic event called Open Minds, Open Mics with another Maru-A-Pula service called Mind Your Mind, a mental health awareness group he co-led, to raise awareness about Mental Health through spoken word, song and visual arts. As a result, over P1700 was raised from Open Minds, Open Mics and donated to Botswana Network for Mental Health.

Throughout his life, Kgosi has seen and experienced the various financial difficulties posed by accessing quality resources developed, mental wellness systems and support-based education to ensure that neurodivergent children can be able to function in a mainstream society. He further noticed how the government's approach had only escalated the financial divide between families who can and cannot afford for their relatives and/or children to not only access those resources but to also be aware and proud of their neurodivergent identity as well. He hopes that through his appearance in the upcoming Pan-African Congress on Autism, he can be able to bridge the divide and be a part of creating a more inclusive, affordable and action-based approach between the government and families with neurodivergent relatives so that nationwide support can be accessible emotionally, academically and financially.

08/04/2026

Do you know that Pan African Congress on Autism - PACA registration is closing tomorrow?

Register now before deadline.

04/04/2026

Victoria Joel is a prominent Namibian social entrepreneur and passionate advocate for inclusive education, particularly for children and young adults with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities.
Based in northern Namibia (Ongwediva/Ondangwa, Oshana region), she founded and serves as Director and Principal of Circle of Hope Private Academy (COHA) in 2019 — the only inclusive private school in the region that integrates children with special needs into mainstream education while providing personalized support. She is also the founder of the COHA Vocational Training Centre in Ondangwa, an inclusive initiative offering practical vocational skills training (including elementary technical training, specialized programs in trades like Brick layering , clothing and fashion design, hospitality, and joinery) to prepare learners aged 16+ for employment, with a focus on those with disabilities.
With over a decade of experience as a special needs teacher (trained by experts from Germany and South Africa), Victoria holds the prestigious Certified in Autism certification from IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards). This credential further strengthens her expertise in supporting autistic individuals and families with evidence-based practices, greater understanding, and impactful strategies.
She has dedicated her career to raising awareness, combating stigma, and ensuring quality education and vocational opportunities for all, emphasizing that every child and young adult is “differently able” and deserves opportunities to thrive.
Her achievements include:
• Being selected as a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow (focusing on leadership in business and entrepreneurship at Drake University).
• Launching innovative tools like an inclusive education app.
• Training internationally in countries such as Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and India.
• Receiving awards for disability-inclusive education.
COHA and its vocational centre continue to expand under her leadership, promoting mental health advocacy alongside inclusive practices.

02/04/2026

World Autism Day Message

Theme: Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value

Today, as we mark Autism Day, we pause to affirm a simple but powerful truth: every human life has value.

Autism is not a tragedy. It is a different way of experiencing, understanding, and interacting with the world. Autistic individuals are part of the rich diversity of humanity. They think differently, communicate differently, and express themselves differently—but their dignity, worth, and right to belong are exactly the same as anyone else’s.

Across families, schools, workplaces, and communities, many autistic children, youth, and adults still face misunderstanding, exclusion, and stigma. Too often, society focuses on limitations instead of strengths, challenges instead of potential, and differences instead of humanity.

Today calls us to shift that perspective.

It calls us to:

See the person before the diagnosis

Listen with empathy and patience

Create inclusive environments where autistic individuals can thrive

Support families and caregivers with compassion

Promote services, policies, and practices that uphold dignity and rights

Autism reminds us that humanity is not defined by sameness. It is defined by our ability to embrace difference with respect and kindness.

When we create spaces where autistic individuals are understood, supported, and celebrated, we do not only uplift them—we strengthen our communities and our shared humanity.

Let this Autism Day be more than awareness.
Let it be a commitment to acceptance, inclusion, and action.

Because in our shared humanity, every life has value.

Thank you. ........

I . E. K

01/04/2026

Let’s talk. Let’s learn. Let’s understand 💙

Tomorrow, we come together to commemorate World Autism Day through meaningful discussion.

Be part of the conversation and help us build a more inclusive world 🌍

🔗 Click the link to join:
https://teams.live.com/meet/9370969901427?p=ZgDM8g8FkkREhEgdgf

THEME: Autism & Humanity - Every Life has Value
TIME: 730AM

30/03/2026

All routes lead to Gaborone International School for the Pan African Congress on Autism - PACA

Have you booked your ticket to Gaborone for PACA 2026 yet?
The Pan African Congress on Autism (PACA) is coming to Gaborone, Botswana, April 15–18, 2026, and this is THE event you can’t afford to miss!

Why PACA 2026 is unmissable:
✅ Learn from world-renowned experts like Dr. Mayo, Dr. Eddie Chengo and Dr. Dave Clarke
✅ Gain practical strategies for autism care, education, and advocacy
✅ Discover the latest in research, therapies, and interventions
✅ Connect with parents, caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals across Africa
✅ Be part of a movement breaking stigma and building inclusion
📍 Venue: Gaborone International School, Botswana
🎟 Limited seats available—secure your spot now!
🚀 Don’t wait—your chance to be part of Africa’s premier autism event is here!
👉 Book your tickets today!
💡 Share this with friends, colleagues, and anyone passionate about autism awareness and neurodiversity! Let’s make PACA 2026 unforgettable!

18/03/2026

Autism Botswana is profoundly honoured to announce that Mrs Kaone Tumalano Boko, the First Lady of the Republic of Botswana will serve as the Guest of Honour at the Pan African Congress on Autism (PACA) 2026.

The First Lady’s presence at this historic gathering represents more than a ceremonial role — it reflects a powerful national commitment to inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for autistic individuals and persons with developmental disabilities across Botswana and the African continent. Her participation further amplifies the call for African societies to embrace neurodiversity, invest in evidence-based services, and champion the rights, dignity, and full potential of every autistic person.

The Pan African Congress on Autism (PACA) 2026 will bring together leading researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and families from across Africa to shape meaningful, culturally grounded, and science-driven approaches to autism services and support.

Held under the theme “Rooted in Culture, Driven by Science: Advancing Autism Services in Africa,” the Congress will spark critical dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and inspire bold action toward a future where autistic individuals are understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

📅 15–18 April 2026
📍 Gaborone International School

Together, we gather not only to raise awareness — but to drive transformation for autism across Africa.