Our first week here was spent in Group Orientation sessions where we learned about the country, its politics, traditions and culture. It was really fascinating to hear about these subjects from people who have lived here for their entire lives rather than just out of a book. I was particularly interested in our discussions about how the status of women was related to the rates of HIV/AIDS in the country and what this means for the culture here. We were also instructed on how to use combis, the local method of transportation, to get to and from work everyday. That in itself was quite an experience! You definitely get to know people a lot faster when you are crammed into a little minibus with thirteen other people every day!

We also visited the Mokolodi Nature Reserve for a weekend where we got to see many different species of African animals, such as elephants, giraffes, kudus, and cheetahs. The landscape was so beautiful and it was exhilarating to be out there all day long. Believe it or not, one of the best parts of the trip was when our truck got stuck in the mud and our group spent the better part of an hour pushing it out – it was such a great bonding experience. I think everyone enjoyed was pretty excited about that!

Since then, we’ve been stationed at our placements every Monday through to Friday. I am at a primary school called the Old Naledi Education Centre with two other volunteers, Gill Buckle and Phil Martin. NEC is in Old Naledi, one of the poorest parts of Gaborone. It is a private school that takes on students who are unable to attend public government schools. It could be that they are too old, or that they failed a grade, or that they have a learning disability, but NEC accepts them regardless. The teachers here say that NEC is a “second chance” school.

We have spent much of our time here cleaning and organizing the staff room and library and these tasks have given us the opportunity to see the abysmal lack of resources and funding that affects this school. Many of the supplies they have seem to be old donations that have little real use. Because they do not follow all government standards (e.g. they accept older students), they do not receive any government funding and are therefore unable to purchase their own supplies. Funding is a serious obstacle for this school.

We have also worked with the students here, something that has been a lot of fun. Although many of the students here speak minimal English and we speak only a few phrases of Setswana, we have been able to cobble together a dialogue that everyone can understand. They have many questions about Canada, and we have many about Botswana.

It’s hard to believe, but we are only here for 9 more days! Time has passed so quickly and I feel as though we are only just beginning. There is so much more that I would like to do at NEC before I leave. I have really fallen in love with the school and the people there. It is strange to think that it will be over so soon. I guess the most I could ask for is that I have had even half the impact on the people here that they have had on me. . .

I am so glad to have had this opportunity. At times, it has been overwhelming, but in general, the experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I know I will not forget the things I have learned here once I go back to Canada, but carry them with me. I’ll have so much to say and do, and I am hopeful for the future. This experience has certainly opened my eyes and my mind and I am very grateful.

My name is Sylvie Vigneux and I am just finishing up my first year at the University of Guelph in a General Arts program. On April 25th, I will be leaving behind my friends, my family, and my familiar home-country to spend 6 weeks in Botswana. Six weeks doesn’t exactly sound like a long time, but after speaking with those who have done this before me, I get the feeling it will be just long enough to change my life!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong desire to go to Africa and experience a life unlike my own – a different climate, different people, a whole new culture. My motivation for going on this trip is to get a glimpse of this and, hopefully, to bring a piece of it back to Canada with me. I’m so excited to learn and grow as an individual and I hope that I can share some of my experiences with the new people I meet and with my friends back home.
I am unsure, at this point, of where my volunteer placement will take place, but I can’t wait to find out. I look forward to the challenge of learning the new skills I’ll need to do this – although my excitement is definitely mixed with some nervousness! It’s hard to know what to expect, but I know that if I approach this adventure with an open mind and a smile, I won’t regret a moment of it.