Sept. 21 Two Weeks in Botswana!
Posted by Katherine P on September 21st, 2009
Today marks one week at Mokolodi Wildlife Reserve, and two weeks in Botswana. It has been an interesting week, and I am already learning a significant amount about the culture, wildlife, and the organization. My job is varied, and I will explain to you what I have been involved with so far.
My main responsibility is helping at the Education Centre (EC) with group of children who come to Mokolodi. This was a surprise to me at first, as I thought I would be working in conservation and with the animals. But, working in the EC is very enjoyable. We have various groups of children coming, usually from a school, sometimes a group of underprivileged children, which Mokolodi pays for them to visit. My duties include aiding in feeding and cleaning the children, playing games, educating the children on the animals at the sanctuary, assisting on game drives, and helping with various preparation. I see room for improvement in their children’s programs because in my opinion, I do not see the children making a meaningful connection with the wildlife or conservation. I am currently drafting proposals of what could be changed. It appears that in the past there was good programs instituted, and perhaps they have been forgotten. They also do not recycle here at Mokolodi, and I hope to institute a recycling program. Although I already see many barriers, but I believe it is very important.
On days where there is no group scheduled, my day is varied. I will assist with the conservation workers in feeding the Cheetahs and Hyenas, plot nature walks, wildlife counts, helping take care of injured animals at the wildlife sanctuary, and observing wildlife. I enjoy very much learning about the wildlife, their behaviours and how to track them.
Recently Mokolodi offered a star gazing night, as well as a bicycle race. At the star gazing night I helped orientate the guests, set up the chairs and tables, and collect fire wood. It was a successful night with over 100 people who came to learn about the constellations. There was also drumming, and a local traditional dance group performed, which was very exciting for visitors as well as myself. The bicycle race was to raise funds for Mokolodi, over 160 racers registered and participated, and the local press covered the event. The race included a 20km or 60km path, my job was to direct racers, based on the colour of the plate on their bike, to which path they should take. At the end Mokolodi provided refreshments and a Brii barbeque, along with medals for those who placed. We were lucky it was a cold day, as no one overheated. Overall the bicycle race was successful, and I believe everyone had a positive experience.
On the personal side, my accommodations were a shock to me, as they are the most basic I have ever lived in. Self-catering has been a challenge for my fellow WUSC volunteer, Katie and I. Many other people share the kitchen, and food and dishes go missing, as well as the kitchen is old and not working properly. We do not see the usual appliances we are used to using in Canada. We are still figuring out a balance of how to feed ourselves. I believe in the future, all WUSC volunteers should be fed by Mokolodi as all other volunteers here are. Everyone staying at the volunteer hut, have volunteered to paint and clean up the accommodations, so hopefully soon the place will feel more like home.
Overall, I have had many shocks and challenges in my two weeks in Botswana. I have also learned much about the culture, and am already making great friends with those I work with. I look forward to challenges ahead of me, and to sharing my experience with those at home.
Thank you for reading,
Kate Poulsen or Tebogo.
(My Setswana name is Tebogo.)
