Hailing from the southern African nation of Botswana, Lone Botshelo is in Rome to participate in an international gathering organized by the “Talitha Kum” anti-trafficking network as it prepares to mark the annual “International Day of Awareness and Prayer Against Human Trafficking” on 8 February.<\/p>\n
By Fr. Mark Robin Destura, RCJ<\/b><\/p>\n
In the run-up to\u00a0the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking\u00a0<\/i>celebrated annually on 8 February,\u00a0Talitha Kum Youth Ambassador from Botswana,\u00a0\u00a0Lone Botshelo<\/b>, speaks about the urgency of confronting modern slavery through faith, creativity, and digital advocacy.<\/p>\n
Having joined the Youth Ambassador program in 2024, Lone admits that he initially knew little about human trafficking in his own country. \u201cI didn\u2019t realize how alive and real it was in Botswana,\u201d he explains. Through training and field experience, however, he began to recognize how deeply the issue affects vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis journey has opened my eyes,\u201d he says. \u201cIt has helped me see that trafficking is not something distant. It is happening among us.\u201d For him, this awakening became a call to live with purpose and commitment.<\/p>\n
Alongside his work in finance and his activities as a content creator, Lone has been involved in youth ministry and social action. His interest in issues such as climate change, mental health, and social justice naturally led him to anti-trafficking advocacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love living in purpose,\u201d he reflects. When he learned about Talitha Kum\u2019s mission, he immediately felt called to participate. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just another project,\u201d he says. \u201cIt was a way to serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arriving in Rome to take part in the international gathering of Talitha Kum, Lone describes the experience as both moving and challenging. Although he arrived too late to join the group in meeting the Pope, he quickly became immersed in the week\u2019s activities and workshops.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are here to pray, to learn, and to act,\u201d he says. \u201cBeing among young people from so many countries makes you realize that this is a global struggle.\u201d For him, the gathering reinforces the sense that the fight against trafficking transcends borders.<\/p>\n
One of the initiatives promoted by the network in the week before the International Day was a candlelight procession and a prayer vigil to raise awareness about the scourge and pray for the victims.<\/p>\n