Serowe — Miss Botswana, Malebogo Marumoagae last week took her campaigns on youth development to the districts.

Vice President Seretse Khama Ian Khama invited her to address the youth during his recent kgotla meetings in Serule, Moreomabele, Topisi, Tshimoyapula, and Mabeleapudi.

She took the opportunity to reaffirm her commitment to empowering the youth as well as promoting gender equity and reproductive health.

"I have realised that the youth need to be involved in issues that concern them,' she said.

She expressed optimism that at the end of her reign she would have helped in closing the communication gap between parents and children.

The beauty queen said some problems persist because of societal barriers, with some parents finding it difficult to discuss certain issues with their children.

Instead, she said, young people rely on their peers and make decisions which could be detrimental to their well being.

She also urged parents to encourage their children to attend kgotla meetings in order to learn of programmes aimed to empower them. BOPA