Now, I’ve had a few weeks to reflect on my amazing time in Botswana. Looking back, the most memorable part of my trip, by far, was meeting so many wonderful people and building great friendships that I never would have though possible to build in such a short amount of time. Even my fellow SWB and Uniterra volunteers, my family away from home, were some the most wonderful girls I’ve met. I hope we all continue to keep in touch.

My experience working with the Gender Unit was also great. I learned so much from the three ladies that make up the Unit and I am truly grateful for that experience. I also feel that I am now able to compare my experience to what I have learned through out my academic studies. It is rare that a student gets to step out of the theoretical and get that first hand experience. One of the great benefits of working at SADC is the fact that the staff is composed of citizens from all 15 member states. We had some great chats about politics, family, history and much more during tea time. It was fun to learn about the similarities and differences among SADC member states directly from people from these countries. It also proved to be useful when the girls and I were traveling. For example, when we traveled to Zambia it was a Zambian colleague who helped us get information on the best ways to travel from Gaborone to Livingstone.

The three months I spent in Botswana feels like a million years ago, especially after a long freezing cold walk from downtown. This was definitely a great experience and I’m excited to know that this is only the first of my many work/ travel experiences in Africa.

Thanks SWB!

My first month in Bots was definitely interesting. My roommate Kate and I had to move into three different accommodations before WUSC was able to find us permanent places to live. As hectic as it was it was kind nice to be able to move around and live in different areas of the city. All Kate and I could say to each other was that it was definitely an experience! Since October I have been living with two Uniterra volunteers in a flat. The roommates are great.

Working for SADC has been great! The first month of work was very slow and it took a while for me to figure things out. I spent a lot of time reading up on the Gender Unit, its Business Plan, the SADC Gender Policy the newly sign SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and many other documents. I found this extremely helpful in giving me the background I needed to more effectively contribute. The three ladies I work with are amazing! It’s crazy to see three people do so much with so little resources and time. On my first day I was given a brief run down of what the Gender Unit does and all I could say was “Wow and its only the three of you that take care of ALL that!!!”

My job descriptions has diverted a slightly. I spent the last two months helping to produce the Gender Unit Bi – monthly Newsletter. This was a very intimidating task at first but once I got started things began to move along smoothly.

I recently completed our awareness campaign for the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women. For each of the 16 days we will be sending out an e-mail with facts about violence in the region, what SADC Member States are doing to prevent such violence and also trying to remind SADC Secretariat employees of what they can do in their day to day to help stop gender based violence. So far we have received very positive feedback; it’s been a great success!

Life in Gaborone seems pretty normal now. Now that I’ve been here for so long I’ve kinda stopped noticing those little things that made me stop and say “Woa now that’s different!” It’s been very easy to settle into the Bots lifestyle. I think what I’ll miss most about being here is how friendly people are. You meet someone and you’re bound to run into them again before the end of the week. Gabs is a very SMALL place and everyone knows everyone! I’ve made some really amazing friends here, it’s weird to think I’ve only known them for three months. Feels like it’s been forever. I’ll really miss them.

So the sad part is starting to kick in… this is my last week at SADC and in Gabs.

The girls and are off to Cape Town and then Namibia for two weeks. Should be a great time.
Promise to fill you all in on our adventures when we get back.

Ciao for now!
Iman
aka Tsepo

My name is Iman Mohamed, I am a recent graduate from Carleton University. I completed my Bachelor degree in Political Science with a Minor in Africa History. I have always been very interested in politics and world issues. It was in my 3rd year of university that I really started to discover my love for Africa history and politics. My motivation for applying for a placement abroad was triggered by my curiosity to learn more about new cultures. Also, I really believe that my education in international development is not completed without having the valuable experience of traveling abroad and working in a developing country.

My placement will take place in Botswana, with the Gender Unit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). I’m very excited about being selected for this position because I’ve spent the last four months of my undergrad studying Southern African development, and learning about the political history of Botswana.

Through this experience I hope to gain a greater understanding of development issues, but also, as part of the African diaspora I think that this experience will be a valuable in helping me understand my heritage and roots. I think that an internship in a developing country is going to be an amazing opportunity for personal growth and development. I feel so lucky to be able to learn directly from community leaders in Botswana.
I’m just very excited and ready to soak in this amazing life changing experience. Botswana here I come!!