BONELA

16/10/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏 𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓- 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐙𝐈

# # Strengthening the Capacity of Community-Led Organizations through Governance, Advocacy and Community-Led Monitoring (CLM)

*𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠:* 14–15 𝑂𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑏𝑒𝑟 2026
*𝑉𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒:* 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝐺𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒, 𝐺ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑧𝑖, 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑠𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑎
*𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠:* 𝐵𝑂𝑁𝐸𝐿𝐴, 𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝐿𝐸𝑅𝐸𝐾𝑂 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑦
*𝑅𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑢𝑟:* 𝐵𝑜𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑜 𝑅𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑎𝑙𝑒

# # # 𝟏. I𝐧t𝐫o𝐝u𝐜t𝐢o𝐧

BONELA, in collaboration with LEREKO Consultancy, convened a two-day workshop to strengthen the capacity of community-led organizations in governance, advocacy and Community-Led Monitoring (CLM), particularly within the HIV/TB response. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to monitor health services, generate credible community-based evidence and use findings to promote accountability and improve service delivery.

# # # 𝟐. S𝐮m𝐦a𝐫y o𝐟 𝐏r𝐨c𝐞e𝐝i𝐧g𝐬

*Day One: Governance, Accountability and CLM Concepts*

The workshop opened with remarks from ’s Executive Director, Mrs. Cindy Kelemi, who emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space for participants to share experiences and discuss challenges affecting their communities.

Sessions covered governance and accountability, the HIV/TB governance landscape, and the conceptual understanding of CLM. Participants explored governance principles, including transparency, fairness, responsibility and accountability, alongside opportunities for community-led organizations to participate in health governance processes.

Facilitated by Mr. Sedumedi of Consultancy, the CLM session introduced participants to the purpose and relevance of community monitoring, emphasizing ethical principles such as confidentiality, informed consent and “do no harm.” Further sessions explored practical CLM implementation, data interpretation, advocacy and policy engagement, and tracking and follow-up. Discussions highlighted the importance of generating credible evidence and translating findings into action.

*Day Two: Practical Application of Community-Led Monitoring*

Day Two commenced with a recap of the previous day’s sessions, facilitated by Mr. Sedumedi. Participants were introduced to practical CLM tools and evidence-gathering methods, including client surveys, scorecards, interviews and observation.

The main activity involved a practical simulation in which participants were divided into two groups focusing on Tswaragano Clinic and Phatsimang. Participants assumed different stakeholder roles, including those of a manager and a minister, and worked through the CLM process. The exercise involved collecting information, analysing and validating evidence, presenting findings and identifying advocacy approaches to address service delivery challenges.

The exercise demonstrated how community-generated evidence can help identify gaps in health services and support constructive engagement with decision-makers. Mr. Sedumedi also highlighted the benefits of implementing CLM at district level, noting its potential to reduce logistical barriers, save time and improve responsiveness to local language and cultural contexts.

The day concluded with group presentations and discussions on the way forward, reinforcing the importance of community participation, evidence-based advocacy and sustained follow-up to strengthen accountability.

# # # 𝟑. K𝐞y L𝐞s𝐬o𝐧s a𝐧d O𝐮t𝐜o𝐦e𝐬

The two-day workshop highlighted the following priorities:

* *Strengthening governance:* Accountability, transparency, fairness and responsibility are essential for effective organizations and responsive health systems.
* *Promoting community participation:* Community-led organizations play a vital role in identifying service delivery challenges and influencing decisions affecting their communities.
* *Applying practical CLM tools:* Surveys, scorecards, interviews and observation provide useful methods for gathering community experiences and monitoring health services.
* *Ensuring credible evidence:* Data must be accurately interpreted and validated to support effective advocacy and decision-making.
* *Upholding ethical standards:* Confidentiality, informed consent and the principle of “do no harm” must guide monitoring activities.
* *Linking evidence to action:* CLM findings should inform advocacy, policy engagement, corrective action and systematic follow-up.
* *Promoting district-level monitoring:* Local implementation can help make monitoring more accessible and responsive to community contexts.

# # # 𝟒. C𝐨n𝐜l𝐮s𝐢o𝐧 𝐚n𝐝 𝐖a𝐲 𝐅o𝐫w𝐚r𝐝

The workshop strengthened participants’ understanding of governance, accountability, advocacy and the practical application of Community-Led Monitoring within the HIV/TB response. Through facilitated discussions and practical simulations, participants explored how communities can systematically gather, analyse and present evidence to identify service delivery gaps and engage relevant stakeholders.

Moving forward, community-led organizations should apply the knowledge and tools gained to strengthen local monitoring initiatives, document community experiences, engage decision-makers and track commitments arising from advocacy efforts.

14/10/2026

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐀 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐢 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭

BONELA is currently in the Ghanzi District in partnership with Lereko Consultancy, working to strengthen the capacity of Community-Led Organizations (CLOs).

This important initiative focuses on enhancing good governance, advocacy, and community-led monitoring, equipping organizations with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively serve their communities, promote accountability, and drive positive change.

By investing in the capacity of local organizations, we are strengthening community voices and supporting meaningful participation in decision-making processes that affect people's lives.

Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities. 💙

12/10/2026

Advancing Health Justice & Universal Coverage for Marginalized Communities in Botswana 🇧🇼

BONELA, with support from the Commonwealth Foundation, is conducting a training for paralegals in Palapye under the Commonwealth Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) Project.

The training aims to equip paralegals with the knowledge and skills needed to promote access to justice, strengthen community-led monitoring, and raise awareness of health and human rights.

This activity also provides an opportunity for participants to share experiences, build their capacity, and explore ways to empower communities, promote accountability, and improve access to quality health services through Community Led Monitoring.

12/10/2026

07/10/2026

Every Child has the right to learn , dream and thrive

24/09/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 | 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚

UNAIDS Botswana

23/09/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆-𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐂𝐘 & 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐎
The Marang Strategic Litigation Capacity Building in Lesotho brought together Q***r WorX, People's Matrix, International Human Rights Lab, Unlocking Love, Gender Links Lesotho and the GL regional team to focus on Lesotho's legal framework, strategic litigation, advocacy, safeguarding and the Safe Space approach, with partners applying the learning to current LGBTIQ+ rights priorities.

The learning then moved into action through a multi-stakeholder dialogue bringing together Lesotho Marang CSOs, BONELA, Gender Links Lesotho and Regional, the Office of the Ombudsman, Office of Parliamentary Counsel, LMPS, Ministry of Law & Justice and TRC. The engagement focused on practical pathways for policy reform, accountability, institutional coordination and access to remedies for LGBTIQ+ communities in Lesotho.

From strategy to action, the goal is clear: strengthen evidence, coordination and pathways for meaningful legal and policy change.

03/09/2026

🔊 RECOGNIZING GBV IN ADOLESCENT RELATIONSHIPS

How do we recognise the early warning signs of gender-based violence in adolescent relationships, and what can we do to protect and support young people?

Gender-based violence in adolescent relationships can have profound consequences for young people’s physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

Join BONELA, Ministry of Health, Botswana(MOH) and Botswana Police Service on RB2’s The Wind Down Show, this Thursday, 20 August at 23:00hrs, for an important conversation on “Recognising Gender-Based Violence in Adolescent Relationships.”

Tune in, learn the signs, and be part of the conversation.

27/08/2026

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐋𝐀, 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐁/𝐇𝐈𝐕 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓, 𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐖𝐎-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘-𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐑𝐇𝐑, 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐆𝐁𝐕 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐈𝐕 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒

✅ Ghanzi, Charles Hill and Hukuntsi Districts: Done and Dusted!
📅 11–14 August and 24–25 August 2026

📍 Mabutsane District: Underway
📅 27–28 August 2026

BONELA continues to strengthen the capacity of service providers to deliver integrated, rights-based and youth-friendly SRHR, post-GBV, TB and HIV services for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), boys and young men, persons with disabilities and other priority populations. 🏥⚖️
Key outcomes from Ghanzi and Charles Hill include:
🔹 Stronger referral pathways between health, social protection, police, community and legal-aid services;
🔹 Improved survivor-centred GBV response and timely access to PEP;
🔹 Greater emphasis on confidential, non-discriminatory and youth-friendly services;
🔹 Increased understanding of human rights, inclusion and accountability in healthcare; and
🔹 An established Justice Forum in Charles Hill to strengthen access to justice for AGYW, boys and young men, including persons with disabilities. ♿⚖️
The journey continues in Hukuntsi before moving to Mabutsane! Together, we are building services that are available, accessible, acceptable, inclusive, and responsive to the realities of every community. 💙

19/08/2026

🌍⚖️ 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Today, BONELA participated in the Health & One Health Innovation Forum, contributing a civil society perspective on building a health and bio-economy that benefits everyone. 🧬🏥

The presentation, delivered by Nana Gleeson, BONELA’s Finance, Operations and Resource Mobilization Manager, on behalf of the Executive Director, Cindy Kelemi, highlighted that innovation is truly successful only when it expands participation, protects human rights and ensures that benefits reach all communities, particularly those who are marginalised or underserved. 🤝🏾

BONELA called for:
✅ Meaningful community participation in decision-making
✅ Gender-balanced and inclusive governance
✅ Ethical, consent-based and unbiased use of health data and AI
✅ Fair sharing of knowledge, opportunities and economic benefits
✅ Strong privacy, accountability and access-to-remedy mechanisms
✅ Human rights and equity criteria in innovation funding and implementation

As Botswana strengthens its health innovation ecosystem, communities must be recognised as rights-holders and equal partners not as an afterthought or merely as sources of data and knowledge. 🗣️💡

Equity builds trust. Human rights reduce harm. Inclusion improves relevance. Together, they make health innovation stronger and more sustainable. 🇧🇼✨
Thrive Development Initiative