NKAIKELA YOUTH GROUP


RIGHTS, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY



Introduction



At Nkaikela Youth Group (NYG), we are committed to improving the health and well-being of all, especially Key and Vulnerable Populations (KVPs). KVPs in Botswana face unique challenges that go beyond HIV. They experience high burdens of disease, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), tuberculosis (TB), and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They also face structural barriers, stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence, which make it harder to access health, legal, economic, and social services and live healthy, dignified lives.



DON'T BE SHY TO SEEK HELP



ENJOY A HEALTHY
& POSITIVE LIFE



NYG delivers effective and compliant programming that improves health outcomes and enhances the quality of life for KVPs.





Why Focus on Key and Vulnerable Populations?



High disease burden: HIV prevalence among KVPs is relatively higher than national averages.

Structural barriers: Criminalization, restrictive laws, and socio-cultural stigma limit access to services.

Human rights concerns: Violence, harassment, and discrimination undermine dignity and impede care.

National impact: Addressing KVPs is essential to achieving Botswana’s HIV targets and sustaining epidemic control.



Key and Vulnerable Populations that Nkaikela Youth Group Works with



1. Sex Workers :

  • HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSW) remains high at 42.8%.
  • Little is known about male sex workers, leaving gaps in understanding disease burden and risk factors.
  • Limited access to justice for sexual assault and abuse entrenches vulnerability.

2. Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM):

  • HIV prevalence among MSM has risen from 13.1% to 14.8%, with older MSM facing rates up to 46.7%.
  • Persistent socio-cultural stigma results in breaches of confidentiality, denial of services, and poverty—hindering ART adherence.

3. Migrants and non-Citizens :

  • Only 27% of non-citizens living with HIV access ART, far below national averages.
  • Legal barriers, detention conditions, and stigma limit care.
  • Foreign sex workers face even higher HIV prevalence (69.5%) compared to local FSW (57.7%).
  • Recent policy changes now allow foreign nationals access to ART, requiring close monitoring.

4. Adolescent Girls and Young Women(AGYW)

  • AGYW account for over one-third of new HIV infections.
  • HIV prevalence is significantly higher among young women (10.2%) compared to young men (5.4%).
  • Gender inequality, GBV, and harmful norms drive disparities.
  • Barriers include parental consent requirements for HIV testing and low HIV knowledge among youth.


Investing in KVP-focused programming is investing in Botswana’s future health and resilience.





Stigma Free Services






At Nkaikela Youth Group (NYG), we recognize that stigma and discrimination do more harm than dignity. Fear of judgment or mistreatment often keeps people from seeking services, leading to poorer health outcomes and higher infection rates.



Our Approach

NYG provides stigma free, rights based services because:

  • Health equity matters: Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of identity, socio-economic status, or legal status.
  • Human rights must be protected: Safe, confidential, and respectful services uphold dignity and justice.
  • Better outcomes are possible: Removing stigma improves testing, treatment adherence, and overall well-being.
  • National progress towards better health outcomes depends on inclusion


Our Commitment


By creating safe spaces and delivering stigma free services, NYG ensures that KVPs can:


  • Access HIV, TB, STI, and broader health services without fear.
  • Receive confidential, respectful care tailored to their needs.
  • Live healthier, dignified, and empowered lives.


Stigma free services are essential for building a healthier, more inclusive Botswana.









History



1988



The idea of establishing a project that supports commercial sex workers was first mooted by Emang Basadi having recognized a gap in the provision of HIV and AIDS awareness and mitigation for vulnerable populations. At the outset, the Commercial Sex Workers Project had a total of 25 members from different parts of Botswana. Eighteen of these original members have so far died.


1990

Members of the commercial Sex Workers project based in the village of Tlokweng began having conservations with a group of community and health workers who were concerned about the increasing incidence of STIs (Transsexual Transmitted Infections) and cases of HIV. These women included Mma Moruti, Mma Mogende, Mma Moakuma, and Ms. Lorato Bogatsu from the Nkaikela Clinic in Tlokweng. During this year, the NYG members started a traditional dancing group which got invited to public events. This initiative helped provide group cohesion and publicise the NYG initiative.


1993

The group started holding meetings to discuss issues of concern to commercial sex workers in the village. At this stage people had negative attitudes towards the group as they perceived them as sick people without a meaningful role in society. Members of the group also found the village clinic unfriendly and were afraid to visit even when they needed to.



1994



The group began a garden project at Nkaikela Clinic to generate income and to improve the nutritional status of its members. It is also during this period that the group made contact with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) AIDS Advisor who began organizing workshops for the group on HIV and AIDS awareness and education.


2000

The group attended a Cookery training workshop at the Botswana Girl Guides Association for two weeks. The purpose of this training was to help the women gain skills that could help them earn income. The United Nations Resident Representative in Botswana visited the group and donated blankets to members.


2001

Mrs. Taylor Wirth donated a tuck-shop to the group generate income through selling food items. The tuck shop was also used to sell candles produced by the members of NYG.


2002

UNDP mobilized start-up funds for the Matshelo Community Development Association (MAC), which today stands out as one the NYG’s key development partners. The group attended a business and bookkeeping training course facilitated by integrated Field Services to compliment the production skills training interventions as well as strengthen members’ capacity to start new business initiatives. A Project Coordinator was recruited to ensure the efficient management of the organization and increase the impact of its programmes on the lives of NYG members.​


Achievements of Nkaikela Youth Group

  • 100% HIV testing of peer educators.
  • A three year strategic plan
  • Provision of HIV/AIDS education to the community reaching 600-700 people per month
  • Establishment of Abstinence clubs in schools
  • Established income generating (candle making)