Hello from Sunny Gaborone!
Posted by Erin Hall on February 10th, 2009
I’ve been in Gaborone for almost a month now and I must say that I am settling in nicely. I’m really enjoying my placement at Somarelang Tikologo (ST) and with the official launch of the Ecological Park coming up at the end of the month I’m finding that I have lots of work to do. It’s sunny now, but it was raining for a lot of January. And when it rains here it really rains!
Thus far my job description for my position at ST has been very accurate and I have been involved in various tasks and projects related to public relations and fundraising. One of the first things I needed to do was follow up on some of the proposals that had been sent by the previous volunteer Vanessa. I have had a bit of trouble contacting a couple of them because of language barriers (which are much more apparent on the phone it seems!) but I’m still trying. I know now that I’m here that things move slowly, and I understand what the people at WUSC mean when they say that it is hard to really accomplish a lot with such a short placement. This is why I am so glad that we as interns have the opportunity to pass on work reports to future volunteers so that they can pick up where we left off.
One of these projects I am focusing on particularly is trying to get ST a company vehicle. ST operates many environmental education and recycling programs and it is difficult to transport staff, volunteers and tools, especially to places outside of Gaborone, without access to a vehicle. I’m going to try and make it my personal mission to remedy this problem by writing proposals to both embassies and corporations in and outside of Botswana.
I am also involved in the planning and coordination of the eco-park launch as well as a green fashion show taking place the night afterwards. This entails the creation of communications material such as adverts for the Fashion show and the programme for the launch. Additionally I have held meetings with various sponsors and donors who are also involved in the launch.
On the social front I really like the other WUSC students. I live with two girls who are great and there are also several other students placed out of town who come to visit on weekends. We went and spent last weekend at Mokolodi nature reserve and had a fantastic time. I also really enjoy my co-workers company and everyone is really nice.
For those who are coming for the next placements, look forward to Legwinya (fatcakes) which is basically delicious deep fried bread and riding the combi (my two favorites).
I’ve included a picture of the view from my office on a rainy day. Yes that is a chicken poking around. They are very difficult to get rid of!
Write soon
-Erin
