The Botswana Institute of Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Offenders (BIRRO) has appointed Colleen Selogelo as Vice Chairperson of its Board of Directors as the organisation expands efforts to address substance abuse, mental health challenges and offender rehabilitation in Botswana.
The appointment comes as BIRRO intensifies programmes aimed at rehabilitation, reintegration and support for people affected by addiction and related social challenges. The organisation said Selogelo’s leadership and stakeholder engagement experience will support its long-term objectives.
Selogelo serves as Operations Director at Incepta Communications and Chairperson of Race for Rhinos. Her experience includes organisational leadership, strategic communications and partnership development.
She recently led the revival of the Race for Rhinos conservation initiative after it had been inactive since 2019. The event was held in Mosu in June and brought together government officials, conservation groups, sponsors and community leaders.
Her appointment comes as Botswana faces increasing challenges linked to substance abuse. BIRRO said young people are among those most affected by alcohol, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, codeine-based substances and other illicit drugs.
BIRRO said Selogelo’s appointment is also informed by her personal experience supporting a family member through substance abuse rehabilitation. She worked closely with the organisation during an eight-month recovery programme and gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by addiction.
The organisation said her involvement strengthened her understanding of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. It also reinforced her commitment to initiatives that promote recovery and social inclusion.
Her appointment comes as Botswana faces increasing challenges linked to substance abuse. BIRRO said young people are among those most affected by alcohol, cannabis, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, codeine-based substances and other illicit drugs.
The organisation continues to advocate for coordinated interventions involving government, healthcare providers, communities, civil society and the private sector. It says successful recovery requires counselling, psychosocial support, family involvement, skills development and access to healthcare services.
“I am honoured to join BIRRO’s leadership team and contribute towards an organisation that plays such a critical role in restoring dignity, supporting recovery and strengthening communities,” Selogelo said. BIRRO said the appointment strengthens its multi-sector approach to addressing substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation challenges across Botswana.
