Greetings from Botswana!!-Somarelang Tikologo (Environment Watch Botswana)
Posted by Vanessa on November 18th, 2008
I’ve been in Botswana now for just over two months, and my how the time has flown by!
Working at Somarelang Tikologo (Environment Watch Botswana) has been a great experience. The main goal of Somarelang Tikologo (ST) is to “promote sustainable environmental protection by educating, demonstrating and encouraging best practices in environmental planning, resource conservation and waste management in Botswana”. So far I’ve spent most of my time researching potential grant opportunities and writing funding proposals. I have also begun to understand the frustrations and challenges faced by non-profit organizations, as there is never enough money.
Our office is a pretty cool place. We have an organic garden, a kids playground, one of the only recycling drop-off centers in Botswana, and a building called the Green Shop. At the Green Shop we sell items that have been made from natural or recycled materials, and crafted by local women and out of school youth groups. We have flower vases made from recycled bottles, jewelry, baskets, mobiles and my favourite, Morula Sweets. These sweets are made from the juice of the Morula fruit, and if in Botswana I definitely recommend trying them. Oh, and did I mention we have chickens running around outside our office everyday?
Life in Botswana has been very relaxing. Sometimes plans are made, but most of the time people get to where they need to be, when they get there. There is no rush and no stress.
One of my favourite weekends here in Bots was when Jess (another SWB volunteer) and I hosted a braai. A braai is essentially a BBQ but with pap (ground maize meal added to boiling water to make a thick substance), chakalaka (a vegetable and bean sauce you eat with pap) and beef (the best beef comes from Bots). It was an awesome get-together with friends, all of whom were very impressed that a couple of Canadian girls could cook a local meal!
So far I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve met amazing people and learned a lot. I’m looking forward to my last couple of weeks in Bots, I hope they don’t go by too quickly!
Hey Vanessa! My name’s Adam Fritz, and I used to work for ST from 2000-03 through WUSC. I just stumbled upon this blog, and it is great to hear how things are going back in Gabs!
I’m really curious to see how the park is doing, and was excited to hear that the offices have moved across the street. Would there be any chance you could send me a picture of the park and the new offices?
I’m in Ottawa now, but if there is anything I can do please ask! ST will always be an important part of my life.
Say hi to everyone for me!
Adam
Hey Vanessa,
Sounds like you are having an awesome time in Gabs. I was at ST this past summer and miss it soooo much. Please say hi to everyone for me…I hope everyone is doing well.
Adam,
If you see this, you can send me your e-mail. I was there when the office moved into the eco-park so I have pictures of the area and of the Green Shop. Drop me a message at fiona.geldreich@uleth.ca