02 Apr 2023

Childhood trauma is more common than one may think and it is said that children who grow up with family distress may normalise inappropriate relations and may not recognise destructive patterns as grown-ups.

Also, research had shown that when not given the proper tools to help them process the abuse they experienced, their trauma can manifest into post-traumatic stress disorder in later life, a condition that develops after one had been subjected to a hurtful event.

It was on such backdrop that Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo used the fundraising dinner organised by Khoemacau Copper Mining in Maun recently for her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project to convey the message on positive upbringing of children and called on families and communities to normalise positive and trauma-free upbringing of children.

Chombo said she had observed  how some societies seemed to have normalised painful and traumatic upbringing, something she said, was even worse that when one shared that they were raised in a conducive environment, the society considered it unconventional.

Chombo explained that she grew in a loving home where her parents embraced and allowed her to pursue her dreams.

Her project dubbed, Genesis, she said was born from her passion to unearth and nurture talent in children so that they unlocked their full potential.

“All children need love and support from their families not money like most people think and this is what Genesis is about, allowing children to pursue their dreams of wanting to be a singer, guitarists, actor or doctor,” she said.

The country’s beauty queen said she was working with economically disadvantaged children in rural settlements to cultivate hope and aspirations in them.

She added that she would also extend her developmental programme to parents because they needed it to understand the importance of raising children well.

Chombo said time had come for mindset change to normalise a culture where people did not depend on their trauma for change.

For his part, Khoemacau Copper Mining acting general manager, Mr Mompati Babusi thanked all who had bought tickets for the Miss Botswana fundraising dinner, saying that would go a long way in ensuring that Chombo achieved her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ objectives.

Mr Babusi said it was fitting for Khoemacau to support the project as the mine worked closely with disadvantaged communities around the mine to leave a footprint and build a legacy.

Chombo’s father, Mr Motswanageng Chombo thanked Batswana for supporting his daughter in her endeavours.

Mr Chombo said his family was  honoured to witness Batswana rally behind their child, whom he said was well-mannered having been raised in church settings. ENDS