But when his peers across the globe aspire to be successful entrepreneurs and live better lives, Thari is inspired by the spirit of Botho or compassion. At the age of 18, the University of Botswana (UB) Law student has established a charity to help poor people out of their abjection. The Bothothari Foundation aims to provide business training and seed capital grants, as well as help people launch micro-enterprises.
The foundation, which focuses mainly on poor women, also embraces street vendors, the majority of whom report that once they have gone into business, they cannot provide better nutrition, health care and education for their families. It also targets people with disabilities who are involved in micro-enterprises and willing to do so. "We empower Botswana's poorest people to develop their potential and strengthen their communities," says the foundation's chairman, Botho Thari, who grew up under his grandmothers care and guidance in Mochudi. He says he considered the problems facing the informal sector after recognising the large market share that they hold.
