Lessons learned from working in Botswana
Posted by Emilie on October 20th, 2008
It’s impossible to summarize such an amazing summer (or winter for Botswana) into a few blogs. I have learned so much about myself, how to live alone and make friends in a place that is completely new and unknown. It’s quite remarkable to realize that you can survive and adapt well to a new environment, and actually become part of a different culture. I have had the privilege to meet many friendly and welcoming people who love to teach me about their culture and their way of life. I learned that the perception of Africa in the Western world can be awfully distorted, believing that there is no happiness or beauty for people living there. Westerners are so accustomed to modern technologies and conveniences that they forget how nice it is to need little to live, and to be happy simply with the company of your family and friends. People in Botswana are so friendly and happy to speak to any stranger, and to help anyone in need. We, in Canada, have much to learn from Batswana, who value company and taking time for tea. They are patient and easy to make smile. It is certainly a misconception that everyone in Africa is unhappy and sick or suffering, and it is easy to see how money does not guarantee happiness.
In the past few months, I have learned to be more patient, loving, generous, and sociable. I have broadened my communication skills to consider the opinions and perceptions of people whose basic social assumptions may be different than mine in order to avoid miscommunication. I have traveled with local people on regular buses and have learned to find my way in Gaborone, where road names are rarely used to give directions. I have surpassed my own expectations in terms of how I would adapt to another place and be away from every point of reference; and I surely have learned to appreciate the small things in life – writing letters or reading in the candlelight, visiting my neighbour and discussing religion, walking to work on a dirt road sometimes visited by goats and donkeys, and meeting regular people who, just as we do, live their lives the best way that they can.
There is no aspect of my experience that I regret. I am proud of the life that I created for myself, albeit short, in Botswana, I cherish the people that I met, and I believe in the work that I accomplished. I expect to continue this type of volunteer work and hope that my experience can encourage others to overcome fears or limitations that they may have in the prospect of such work. It is worth every heartache and headache endured when preparing and adapting, and it helps you define who you are to yourself. I am grateful to everyone I have met along this journey and to all of those tremendously crucial people who have supported me throughout the highs and lows of volunteering abroad – I could not have gained more from this experience without the constant support of my family and friends, who called me from Canada and who read and responded to my email updates. Thank you Students Without Borders for this opportunity!
