Kgomotso Petrus

Dumelang! My name is Kgomotso Petrus, and I am from Mmathethe, Botswana.
I am an experienced Social Worker with four years dedicated to social protection initiatives, particularly supporting vulnerable populations. One of the highlights of my career is working on an Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) project to strengthen social protection systems for effective service delivery. I have also contributed to developing electronic data collection tools and information management systems aimed at promoting quality data for reporting and evidence-based programming for OVC. This exposed me to challenges that continue to hinder Africa's social development such as poverty, high inequalities, and uneven access to resources. As a result, I am committed to promoting policies grounded in evidence-based research to address the unique needs of marginalized populations.
In addition to my holistic expertise, I am also passionate about volunteerism and have worked with several non-governmental organizations serving vulnerable children, youth, and other marginalized groups in the community. I hold certificates in Civic Leadership from YALI Southern Africa Regional Leadership Center-UNISA, and Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Guyana in partnership with UNDP Bureau for Africa; the Office of HBCU Development and International Cooperation.

I aspire to leverage expertise in social protection and evidence-based programming to contribute to the development and implementation of impactful social policies. I strongly believe there is a need for evidence-based approaches and indigenous interventions that are relevant to the unique challenges in African countries. By participating in the EIMAS program, I hope to gain more knowledge on African philosophies, history, and contemporary methods through the EIMAS program as a basis for local-centered approaches towards social development in my continent. This will also allow me to pursue opportunities to engage in research initiatives that contribute to the body of knowledge on social issues affecting African populations. Through a blend of practical experience, academic pursuits in African Studies, and a dedication to social policy advocacy, I aim to contribute to positive change and promote inclusive development both locally and globally.