Recovery rarely happens alone.

Behind every claimant rebuilding their life after a devastating road traffic accident is often a caregiver quietly carrying a different kind of burden — helping with daily activities, providing emotional support, learning new ways of doing things, and sometimes finding the strength to keep going when the journey feels overwhelming.

This was the heart of the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund’s Caregiver Training and Counselling Workshop, held in Gaborone on the 20th of August 2026 under the theme “Stronger Together in Care.”

The workshop brought together MVA Fund claimants, caregivers and rehabilitation professionals with one purpose: to strengthen the people who make recovery possible every day.

In his safety brief, Customer Services Officer Mr Donald Setilo noted that Botswana has recorded encouraging progress in road safety, with 154 road traffic fatalities recorded by 16 August 2026, compared with 187 during the same period in 2025. Yet, he cautioned that dangerous road-user behaviour remains a concern, with human factors continuing to contribute significantly to road traffic accidents.

Every number represents a person. A family. A life changed.

That is why preventing road traffic accidents remain as important as supporting those who survive them.

Welcoming participants, Acting General Manager Customer Services, Ms Lydia Masilo-Nkhoma, emphasised that rehabilitation is not simply about treating an injury; it is about helping people rebuild their lives. She highlighted the vital role caregivers play and the importance of equipping them with practical caregiving skills, emotional support strategies and knowledge of services available to them.

The message was simple: when caregivers are stronger, claimants have a stronger foundation for recovery.

The programme brought together professionals who addressed some of the realities families face following a serious road traffic accident injury.

Prof. Odireleng Shehu, a Clinical Social Worker and Lecturer at the University of Botswana, spoke about the psychological impact of road traffic accidents on both claimants and caregivers. Her message was particularly important: caring for someone else should not mean forgetting to care for yourself. She encouraged Caregivers to recognise when they are overwhelmed and to seek help.

Ms Veronica Matsiara, Wound Care Specialist from Orukuze Holdings Wound Care Clinic, focused on pressure injuries, complications that can be painful, difficult and costly to treat. Participants learnt how prevention, early recognition and how appropriate home-based care can make a significant difference.

Mr Lebonye Boni Kesolofetse, LBK Physio Clinic Physiotherapist demonstrated safe patient-transfer techniques and reinforced the importance of mobility in restoring independence. He reminded Caregivers that with the right knowledge and technique, they can assist safely, protecting both themselves and the patient they care for. Most importantly, he encouraged everyone to celebrate the small victories.

Because in rehabilitation, standing for the first time, completing a transfer independently, taking a step, regaining confidence or simply having a better day can be a milestone worth celebrating.

Then came a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.

Recovered MVA Fund claimant Mr Diyeve Phetodi courageously shared his own journey following a life-changing road traffic accident. His story captured the setbacks and challenges that can follow a serious injury, but also the determination required to rebuild His message to fellow claimants was clear: participate actively in your rehabilitation. Keep trying. Keep moving forward. His journey demonstrated that recovery is not always a straight line. Sometimes progress is slow. Sometimes there are setbacks. But with perseverance, support and determination, meaningful change is possible.

The workshop was also more than training. It was a conversation.

Claimants and Caregivers had an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and provide feedback on MVA Fund services. They gained a better understanding of available benefits, rehabilitation programmes and support mechanisms, while the Fund gained valuable insight into the experiences and needs of those it serves.

People connected.

Claimants who had once felt alone in their experiences met others who understood their journey. Caregivers shared stories, challenges and solutions. Encouragement passed from one person to another.

And in those conversations, something powerful happened: a community of support began to grow.

At MVA Fund, rehabilitation is not only about restoring function. It is about restoring confidence, dignity, independence, hope and giving our claimants a best chance to normal life.

The journey can be long. It can be difficult. But it does not have to be walked alone.

Stronger claimants. Stronger Caregivers. Stronger Families.

Together, we make recovery possible.