North-West University (NWU) alumna Yvonne Kgwarae was recently recognised for her outstanding work in HIV prevention in Botswana by the organisation Young 1ove.

Yvonne was recognised for her efforts in making a difference in the Republic of Botswana by running national HIV prevention and treatment programmes through a trust called Kula BW Foundation.

Through this trust she works with various government departments, home-based organisations and NGO’s to educate Botswana citizens on the dangers of HIV/Aids.

She is also involved in localising international HIV/Aids priorities to benefit communities across Botswana and especially those less fortunate.

Yvonne says she enjoys doing this work.

“I enjoy doing work that is meaningful and impacts lives daily. Since Botswana was hit hard by the HIV epidemic, I decided to use my skills and knowledge to help,” she says.

“The idea is to work towards attaining zero new infections by 2030, and to ensure that our people don’t die from an ailment that can be managed easily.”

More about Yvonne Kgwarae

Yvonne holds a BA degree in social science from the NWU. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in research and public policy at the University of Botswana.

She has worked for the Centre for Communication programmes at the John Hopkins University, the Botswana Network of Aids Service Organisation, the Botswana Family Welfare Association, and the Human Resources Development Council, among others.

She is currently the chairperson of the NWU Alumni Botswana Chapter.

Yvonne Kgwarae is passionate about preventing the spread of HIV/Aids.