Working at Somarelang Tikologo (Environment Watch Botswana) has been a great experience. The main goal of Somarelang Tikologo (ST) is to “promote sustainable environmental protection by educating, demonstrating and encouraging best practices in environmental planning, resource conservation and waste management in Botswana”. So far I’ve spent most of my time researching potential grant opportunities and writing funding proposals. I have also begun to understand the frustrations and challenges faced by non-profit organizations, as there is never enough money.

Our office is a pretty cool place. We have an organic garden, a kids playground, one of the only recycling drop-off centers in Botswana, and a building called the Green Shop. At the Green Shop we sell items that have been made from natural or recycled materials, and crafted by local women and out of school youth groups. We have flower vases made from recycled bottles, jewelry, baskets, mobiles and my favourite, Morula Sweets. These sweets are made from the juice of the Morula fruit, and if in Botswana I definitely recommend trying them. Oh, and did I mention we have chickens running around outside our office everyday?

Life in Botswana has been very relaxing. Sometimes plans are made, but most of the time people get to where they need to be, when they get there. There is no rush and no stress.

One of my favourite weekends here in Bots was when Jess (another SWB volunteer) and I hosted a braai. A braai is essentially a BBQ but with pap (ground maize meal added to boiling water to make a thick substance), chakalaka (a vegetable and bean sauce you eat with pap) and beef (the best beef comes from Bots). It was an awesome get-together with friends, all of whom were very impressed that a couple of Canadian girls could cook a local meal!

So far I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve met amazing people and learned a lot. I’m looking forward to my last couple of weeks in Bots, I hope they don’t go by too quickly!