19/08/2026
Reflecting, Learning and Building Resilience Together
Weโve just wrapped up an inspiring two-day partnership review with our colleagues from the Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC), an opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate what has worked, learn from our experiences and look ahead to the future.
Since 2020, Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS) and the Netherlands Red Cross have worked together to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in Botswana. Through this partnership, we have strengthened local volunteers, supported community-based systems, worked with government partners and contributed to building more resilient communities.
Officially opening the meeting, BRCS Secretary General Dr Kutlwano Mukokomani emphasised the importance of recognising what has delivered value, identifying areas where performance can be strengthened, and agreeing on what is needed to ensure the partnership remains relevant, effective, sustainable and mutually reinforcing.
He expressed BRCSโs sincere appreciation for NLRCโs investment in the partnership, noting that its value extends beyond resources. The collaboration has contributed to strengthening institutional capability, providing technical direction and enhancing BRCSโs regional positioningโareas that are strategically important to BRCS and the wider Movement. He also highlighted the relationship of confidence, cooperation and shared commitment that has developed between the two National Societies.
As the workshop was officially closed, the BRCS Board President Itumeleng Otto Odirile emphasised the importance of reviews and evaluations in understanding impact and strengthening future programming. He encouraged the team to go beyond project results and capture real stories and insights from the communities whose lives have been touched by the collaboration, while also exploring opportunities for continued partnership.
The NLRC team expressed appreciation for the Presidentโs words of encouragement and the evaluation exercise, while also commending the commitment and work ethic demonstrated by BRCS staff. The peer-to-peer exchange and learning were highlighted as valuable opportunities to learn from one another and identify new areas for collaboration.
Thank you, Netherlands Red Cross, for walking this journey with us since 2020. Hereโs to many more years of learning, strengthening our partnership and building resilience together!
