Recent Pictures

Fun on game day, staff and volunteers, and the kids with our new vehicle.

All about the kids!

Knowing that I have just a few short monhs left in Botswana, I've been doing a lot of reflecting on my experiences here and realizing just how much of an impact working with the kids in my program has had on my life. Before coming to Botswana I'd had very little experience working with youth, especially adolescents, and when taking into consideration the differences in cultural backgrounds between the kids and myself, I was intimidated by them and the idea of trying to do anything to help them lead better lives. The first time I met the original 30 kids involved with Stepping Stones, they were completely shy and reserved, making me all the more uncertain about what to say to them and how to act around them. But as time passed and I participated in activities with the kids, they began to open up. Even getting them to answer any questions or participate in activities in the beginning was a huge challenge, but slowly the kids became more bold, especially after I allowed them many opportunities to laugh at me. I used to go on trips to go horseback riding with them- always entertaining with hip hop and house music blasting through the combi as the kids danced and chatted away- and one day I just started trying to mimic their dance moves. There was an uproar of laughter which made my day. Ever since I started making a fool of myself the kids have realized that I'm not that much different than they are- I'm not sure I'll ever forget how to be a kid- and they're more comfortable letting me in to their infinitely complex and interesting lives.
I'm amazed at all the unique personalities in our program (and I've changed the names for confidentiality purposes)- there's Odirile, the class clown who happens to be utterly brilliant and loves inventing secret handshakes; there's Tumelo, the hyperactive boy who likes to pick fights with the others but loves reading Sesame Street books; there's Rapebana, the drama queen who loves to preach the word of Jesus; "Small Boy" as the kids call him, who is brilliant and meticulous in arts and crafts; and who could forget Fortune, one of my favorite guys, who has a funny habit of smiling and then trying to hide it and always is the first to say hi when I arrive. I'm continuously impressed at how many new things these kids are willing to try- for example, we just started a sewing program which I assumed would only be popular among the girls, but when we asked for volunteers almost all the boys seemed interested. Almost all the kids have learned horseback riding, jewelry making, many different types of art, and journal writing. They're eager to learn English, and so excited when I break out a book and read to them (I recently started Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which I'm just as excited about).
Needless to say, long after I've returned to the states, I will remember all the names (which took me sooo long to learn) and faces of the now 60 kids I've worked with- it will break my heart to leave, but it will be great to keep in touch with them and see where their lives lead.

New faces, fun and frustrations

Returning from vacation was a bit of a shocker- readjusting to life in Mochudi, being alone as opposed to constantly around others, and getting back to work. Several problems arose with the kids from my program over the holidays- a few girls found out they were pregnant and another was abused- it was difficult to see the pain that they were going through and feel almost completely helpless. My coworkers and I have been doing what we can to help ease the strain, but there's only so much that can be done.
On a lighter note, it has been really nice to be back with the kids and starting the new year out with some great activities and new inspiration. Two new volunteers from Canada arrived recently- one was here for 3 weeks, and another will be here until April. Their energy and activity ideas have been really helpful and inspirational. We had a sports week with the kids, teaching them Jujitsu techniques and even floor hockey (thanks to the generous contribution of hockey supplies from the Canadian guy). We've also been getting extra help the kids during study time, since many are entering their final years of school (Form 5) in which they'll be required to take a final comprehensive exam that will determine whether they'll be able to attend tertiary school. It's a really intense process and very stressful, but we'll try to help them all to pass. I'm relearning some of my math and grammar skills in the process :)
At the beginning of March I'll be attending my COS- Close of Service- meetings for Peace Corps. My whole group of 50-something volunteers will meet to make final plans for leaving Botswana- it's so hard to believe my time here is almost over! I grow ever more excited thinking about the future, but it's also terrifying to think about how different my life in US will seem after this experience. Being here has changed me in so many ways, I hope that the culture shock going back will not be too overwhelming. And of course figuring out what to do next... always a daunting task. For now I will do my best to soak up as many great moments and experiences in Botswana, with the many friends I've made and the kids who have inspired and challenged me since my arrival.