Landing in Gaborone

Posted by Magali Perreault on January 28th, 2010

Dumelang ! (Which means « hi everyone » in Setswana).

With English, Setswana is the official language of Botswana.

It has been near three weeks since I have arrived in Gaborone, the capital city of the country. Locals also calls it « Gabs », which makes it kind of « homey ».

After two days of flight between Ottawa, London, and Johannesbourg, I finally landed in Gabs. It is my first time on the African continent and I need to admit that I am very excited to be here.

Before officially starting our respective placements, we (all the WUSC interns) attended two full days of workshops on cultural costums, history, and on the most important caracteristics of the country. Professors of the Universtity of Botswana made some lectures, and representatives of local organizations and of government departments came to present their respective programmes and activities. Even if very intense, these orientation days were very useful as they providied us with a background on local facts and behaviours.

We also had basic Setswana courses which showed us how crucial greetings are in Botswana. Indeed, they are the starting point for any encounters, conversations, and relationships with the people. I also enjoyed our first rides in Kombis (mnin vans standing for buses) so as our climb up the Kgale Hill at 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning.

Kgale Hill is near the city. For those who live or know the city of Montreal, we could compare it to the « Mont-Royal », with the major difference of having baboons dominating the cliffs instead of squarrels. Local people simply go there to have a good work out.

I have officially started my placement last week at the local NGO named Ditshwanelo, which means « rights » in Setswana. Ditshwanelo is an advocacy organization working for the rights of minorities and marginilized individuals such as children, gays and lesbians, and the San peoples, who may be equally considered as the indigenous peoples in Canada.

I will be working for the Children’s Rights Program, which I am sure will be very interesting! I am currently writing a Project Proposal to be submitted to one of Ditshwanelo’s donors. I have never accomplished this task before so I feel very lucky to already start with something challenging.

I am also happy for already becoming a useful resource for my co-workers. At first, I wondered to which extent I would be able contribute to the organization since three months is a short period of time for making any significant difference. However, it seems that the wheel does not necessiraly need to be reinvented. For instance, giving a hand to a co-worker facing computer issues can make a huge difference. This makes me realize how your contribution as a volunteer may occur in the least expected areas.

Write to you in a couple of weeks.

Gosiame !

Posted in SWB