House build in Mochudi

Posted by Christina T on June 1st, 2009

Hello everyone,

My time as a Student Without Borders is quickly coming to an end. My second experience as an international volunteer in Botswana has been even more insightful than the first, just last year. During my time here my eyes have truly been opened to the numerous challenges Botswana is facing as it continues a long battle against what I have come to understand as one of the most detrimental diseases known to the human race-HIV/AIDS. I have been inspired and overwhelmed by the dedication that I encounter on a daily basis when working with the Batswana people.

I wish to share the testimonial I wrote after the completion of the building of a house in a nearby village two weeks ago. I feel that this experience has had a lasting affect on my experience here on Botswana.

Africa is a continent plagued with hardship for its people. The recognition of this fact has lead to an uncountable number of organizations and support groups. With such a vast array of organizations comes numerous opportunities for those financially able to donate. Rarely, however, do people have the opportunity to experience how a donation can change the lives of its beneficiaries. I have had the privilege of witnessing this impact.

I belong to a group of fourteen students from Canada on an experiential learning trip to Botswana, Africa. During our time in Botswana we traveled to the town of Mochudi where we met a family identified by a local NGO, Stepping Stones International, as desperately in need of a suitable shelter.

Upon arrival to the site we were introduced to the existing shelter, home to five. A grandmother, Mma Sello, and her four grandchildren, Keorapetse, Oscar, Kitso, and baby One. The round mud hut where they all reside stood in front of us, old and weathered. Upon further examination, it was clear that this hut once had windows, but were not poorly filled in and had also once had a full roof but now showed a growing hole. It was immediately clear that this was not a suitable environment for the raising of children.

Overwhelmed by the living conditions of this family and amazed by the resilience and cheerful demeanor of the family, we set to work. Not having the skills required to build a house from the ground up. Our donation allowed for the guidance of three local builders. Under their lead and the scorching African sun, we mixed concrete, laid brick and mortar, and interacted with the family.

As the afternoon slipped away, we were continuously greeted by neighbours, friends, and strangers, all willing to lend a hand. At one point during our stay, I made my way back from filling up my bottle at the water source and I had a moment to witness the project as an outsider. I was suddenly struck by the view; a community coming together, both local and international, for a common goal. It was in that moment that the project was not the building of a house, but the creating of a brighter future for Mma Sello and her family.

As the last day of our stay drifted into dusk, we knew we would have to be leaving. We were overwhelmed by an urge to stay and continue to share with the family and learn from eachother. When finally we had to say our goodbyes we each hugged the family we had grown so close to in just three short days.

When I reached Mma Sello she took my hand, her eyes swelling with tears, looked deep into mine and said, “You have given us so much. God bless you. God bless all of your kind hearts”.

Posted in Botswana, In-Country