History

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.

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)