Midway in Maun, Botswana: Coaching for Conservation
Posted by Nathan on July 2nd, 2008
Let me begin by advising everyone, of all ages, to take any opportunity to travel and volunteer abroad.
I am currently in Maun, Botswana, five weeks into my placement with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust. I am the program assistant for the Coaching for Conservation program. This placement has been absolutely amazing – and when I look back on the few weeks I have had here I cannot believe the work that I have been lucky enough to do and the lessons that I have learned.
My focus has been to lay the groundwork and establish the logistics for our one-week intensive program. I have been in presenting and teachings classes from all 18 primary schools in Maun (400+ students) about conservation, the environment and how it relates to football (soccer). Our goal is to develop, to shift, the core values of these young children, who are the future of Botswana, to “choose life”. With a life expectancy of just over thirty, and within a culture of trying no to be different, no be too successful or to stand out, we are trying to make this children understand that they can make a difference – and that the difference must begin with them. The classroom presentations have introduced these values in the context of taking care of the animals and environment in Botswana.
Setswana is the common language here in northern Botswana, and the langauge barrier has been a challenge. However, I have picked up enough Setswana to get by and I work closely with my local counterparts to make sure the messages get across. It has taught me a lot about communication and the value of visuals, body language and patience in getting the concepts across.
Beyond classroom visits, I have been working with the local government, ministry of education office and local businesses to arrange the logistics for the one-week football camp next week, which is the culmination of the program. This is when we bring in international football coaches, as well as international conservation educators, the 400+ school children, their teachers and coaches and provide a week full of workshops, training and fun! It is going to be a lot of people and details to manage, but i am very much looking forward to the job.
I cannot believe that my time here in Botswana is already half over. The people here have been very welcoming and inviting. There is a very nice community feel here in Botswana. People work and operate at their own pace (which sometimes can be frustrating, but is generally very relaxing and rewarding). Being a part of the visible minority as well as lacking fluent language skills, put you in place of stereotypes regarding white tourists. However, it has been great to educate people on me actually being here to do something for the people, not just passing through. I have learned more about myself and functioning as an individual of society and a community than I could have imagined. Luckily the experience is not over yet and I plan to make the most of it!
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about my placement and experiences!
