For many elderly people in Botswana, growing old can be a lonely and difficult experience.
With families caught up in the demands of modern life, many elders find themselves isolated, struggling with health issues, and lacking the care they need. But in Kopong, the Sedibeng Foundation is changing that narrative, offering a place of comfort, support, and community.
Founded by Tshepelo Kowa-Ambrose, the non-governmental organisation is dedicated to ensuring that the elderly are not left behind. With the motto “A beacon of hope for the elderly and orphans in Botswana,” the foundation provides social, health, and educational support.
What started as a small initiative has grown into a structured support system, currently serving over 150 elders, with projections to reach 200 by the end of February. While its main operations are based in Kopong, Sedibeng has expanded its reach through social clubs in Mogoditshane and Bontleng, each hosting 30 elders.
The foundation’s work goes beyond basic assistance, it fosters an environment where aging is embraced with dignity, health, and purpose. Each weekday, Sedibeng offers carefully planned programmes to support the wellbeing of its members.
Mondays are dedicated to health and wellbeing, ensuring that elders receive general health check-ups and advice. On Tuesdays, a more targeted health approach is taken, with elders monitoring their blood pressure and diabetes levels. Kowa-Ambrose describes this as their most important day.
“Tuesday is our signature day,” she says. “The elders take their blood pressure checks very seriously. They even joke about it, and it has encouraged them to take better care of themselves.”
Wednesdays focus on literacy, an often-overlooked need among the elderly. Many never had the opportunity to learn to read or write, and this has left them vulnerable in many aspects of life.
“Many still use a cross as their signature, making them easy targets for fraud. We are teaching them how to write their names and read essential documents, so they do not get taken advantage of.”
Thursdays are dedicated to fitness and grooming. Elders participate in exercise sessions to keep them active, and mobile barbers provide free grooming services.
“It is more than just a haircut,” Kowa-Ambrose says. “It is about dignity. It is about making sure our elders feel good about themselves.”
Fridays provide a creative and social outlet with arts and crafts sessions. The elders engage in therapeutic activities that help them stay mentally stimulated while building friendships and a sense of belonging.
Despite the impact Sedibeng has made, it operates without official sponsorship. The foundation relies on the goodwill of organisations such as Eye Light and the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA), which occasionally send staff to assist. Additionally, Dr Gure, volunteers his medical expertise.
“We do what we can with the resources we have,” Kowa-Ambrose says. “But the need is growing, and we need more support.”
Sedibeng also conducts home visits for elders who are unable to attend the centre. Kowa-Ambrose has noticed a growing interest in their services, with more families reaching out to see if their parents or grandparents can join.
“Many elders live alone because their children are working,” she explains. “In the past, elders stayed with their grandchildren, but now children start school as early as six months old. This leaves the elderly isolated. We want to fill that gap.”
For many of its members, Sedibeng has been life-changing. Victor Leshoma, 81, first heard about the foundation while collecting his elderly allowance.
“I love it here,” he says. “They check our blood pressure, and I always know when I need to go to the hospital. I also enjoy meeting people my age, we share stories and advice.”
Gadinewe Segone, 75, has also found a sense of purpose at Sedibeng.
“Before I joined, I used to feel lonely. But now, I have people to talk to every day. We laugh, we exercise, and I even do some of the exercises at home before I sleep. It helps me relax.”
Another member, Lesebonye Majase, 70, joined after struggling with blindness.
“I could not see and had to use a stick to walk. Someone told me to come to Sedibeng for help, and Sedibeng referred me to Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole. After my treatment, I can see again. I will always be grateful.”
While the foundation’s primary focus is on elderly care, it is now working on a new project, Marothodi a Pula, which will include orphans.
Kowa-Ambrose explains that many elderly members bring their orphaned grandchildren to the centre, and the foundation saw a need to create a structured programme for them as well.
She urges individuals and companies to step forward and support their work.
“We are doing everything we can to help, but we need partners. If we all come together, we can ensure that no elder has to face old age alone.”
With families caught up in the demands of modern life, many elders find themselves isolated, struggling with health issues, and lacking the care they need. But in Kopong, the Sedibeng Foundation is changing that narrative, offering a place of comfort, support, and community.
Founded by Tshepelo Kowa-Ambrose, the non-governmental organisation is dedicated to ensuring that the elderly are not left behind. With the motto “A beacon of hope for the elderly and orphans in Botswana,” the foundation provides social, health, and educational support.
What started as a small initiative has grown into a structured support system, currently serving over 150 elders, with projections to reach 200 by the end of February. While its main operations are based in Kopong, Sedibeng has expanded its reach through social clubs in Mogoditshane and Bontleng, each hosting 30 elders.
The foundation’s work goes beyond basic assistance, it fosters an environment where aging is embraced with dignity, health, and purpose. Each weekday, Sedibeng offers carefully planned programmes to support the wellbeing of its members.
Mondays are dedicated to health and wellbeing, ensuring that elders receive general health check-ups and advice. On Tuesdays, a more targeted health approach is taken, with elders monitoring their blood pressure and diabetes levels. Kowa-Ambrose describes this as their most important day.
“Tuesday is our signature day,” she says. “The elders take their blood pressure checks very seriously. They even joke about it, and it has encouraged them to take better care of themselves.”
Wednesdays focus on literacy, an often-overlooked need among the elderly. Many never had the opportunity to learn to read or write, and this has left them vulnerable in many aspects of life.
“Many still use a cross as their signature, making them easy targets for fraud. We are teaching them how to write their names and read essential documents, so they do not get taken advantage of.”
Thursdays are dedicated to fitness and grooming. Elders participate in exercise sessions to keep them active, and mobile barbers provide free grooming services.
“It is more than just a haircut,” Kowa-Ambrose says. “It is about dignity. It is about making sure our elders feel good about themselves.”
Fridays provide a creative and social outlet with arts and crafts sessions. The elders engage in therapeutic activities that help them stay mentally stimulated while building friendships and a sense of belonging.
Despite the impact Sedibeng has made, it operates without official sponsorship. The foundation relies on the goodwill of organisations such as Eye Light and the National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA), which occasionally send staff to assist. Additionally, Dr Gure, volunteers his medical expertise.
“We do what we can with the resources we have,” Kowa-Ambrose says. “But the need is growing, and we need more support.”
Sedibeng also conducts home visits for elders who are unable to attend the centre. Kowa-Ambrose has noticed a growing interest in their services, with more families reaching out to see if their parents or grandparents can join.
“Many elders live alone because their children are working,” she explains. “In the past, elders stayed with their grandchildren, but now children start school as early as six months old. This leaves the elderly isolated. We want to fill that gap.”
For many of its members, Sedibeng has been life-changing. Victor Leshoma, 81, first heard about the foundation while collecting his elderly allowance.
“I love it here,” he says. “They check our blood pressure, and I always know when I need to go to the hospital. I also enjoy meeting people my age, we share stories and advice.”
Gadinewe Segone, 75, has also found a sense of purpose at Sedibeng.
“Before I joined, I used to feel lonely. But now, I have people to talk to every day. We laugh, we exercise, and I even do some of the exercises at home before I sleep. It helps me relax.”
Another member, Lesebonye Majase, 70, joined after struggling with blindness.
“I could not see and had to use a stick to walk. Someone told me to come to Sedibeng for help, and Sedibeng referred me to Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole. After my treatment, I can see again. I will always be grateful.”
While the foundation’s primary focus is on elderly care, it is now working on a new project, Marothodi a Pula, which will include orphans.
Kowa-Ambrose explains that many elderly members bring their orphaned grandchildren to the centre, and the foundation saw a need to create a structured programme for them as well.
She urges individuals and companies to step forward and support their work.
“We are doing everything we can to help, but we need partners. If we all come together, we can ensure that no elder has to face old age alone.”
