In the land of stray dogs, donkeys and goats

First flight=cancelled. Replacement flight=delayed. Next flight=delayed. Following flight=delayed…a lot...as in 24 hours sitting in London. Thank god for sneaking into the British Airways lounge! Next flight= missed because of prior delays. Subsequent flight=cancelled. And finally after two days, five airports, four flights, lost luggage, found luggage and a bad case of jetlag, I arrived in Botswana, ready to begin my new adventure. 

I am in Botswana as a volunteer with the Uniterra program, a joint initiative between World University Services Canada and the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation. The goal of this initiative is to work in partnership with local organizations to build their capacity in various fields. In Botswana, Uniterra partners with organizations working in the HIV and AIDS sector, as the disease has reached pandemic level in this country. 

The national HIV rate in Botswana is 17.6%, the second highest in the world, behind neighbouring Swaziland. Women have been the most affected by the disease with an infection rate of 50% for women aged 30-34. It is a terrifying statistic, especially as I will soon be entering this age bracket. It is nearly impossible to find someone who hasn’t been affected by HIV and AIDS in this country. Either you know someone who is infected or has lost a parent, friend or relative to the disease or your work is directly or indirectly related to HIV. 

Over the next two years, I will work as a Communication Advisor for four NGOs, each somehow doing their part to ease the burden of HIV in Botswana. The Botswana Predator Conservation Trust is a wildlife conservation organization which runs a social development program which uses soccer skills and drills to teach children about the importance of protecting their environment. In order for kids to care about the future of wildlife and their habitat, they have to care about their own future, one which hopefully is HIV-free. 

Maun Counselling Centre is an HIV testing and counselling centre which also provides services such as pre- and post-tests, clubs, advocacy for orphans and vulnerable children and mobilizes the community in the areas of equality between women and men, being faithful to one partner and grief and bereavement. It also runs a daycare centre for children aged 2 to 6 who have been affected by HIV. 

The Ngamiland Council of NGOs helps build the capacity for all member organizations and lobbies government on their behalf. The Kuru Development Trust is the first NGO in Botswana that is devoted to a strategy of affirmative action towards the San, otherwise known as the Bushmen. 

I am beginning a series of firsts in my life: First time that I have worked for four organizations at once. First time I have lived in a village and not in a large city. First time working in the HIV and AIDS sector. I am excited but nervous at the same time. And first foray into the blog world. Wish me luck!!!