It's been a rough 24 hours. One of my parents nearest and dearest friends, the woman who introduced them, passed away from cancer. It was quick and sudden, but thankfully she was surrounded by the love and support of her family. Jill was a funny, caring, quirky and lovely person who like me, had one of the worst laughs in the world. When I was young, she used to tell me to listen to her because she was the reason I was around since she helped hook up my parents. A mother of two boys older than me, she also told me that I was the daughter she never had.
I haven't seen Jill in quite a few years. She lives in Victoria and me in Ottawa, but I have never stopped talking about her. People in Botswana know who Jill and her husband Jack are. I'm not kidding. People who know me, know I'm a talker so when I get going on something that I'm passionate about, it's hard to shut me up. Usually, I'm babbling about hockey, but sometimes, a select few loved ones are mentioned and Jill was one of those people.
A few hours after receiving news of Jill's passing, I received word that two people I knew drowned after their mokoro was overturned by a hippo in Maun. Apparently, three people made it to shore but the fourth person did not know how to swim and struggled to stay afloat. His friend returned to the water to save him but in a tragic twist of fate, they both drowned.
I am a strong swimmer. I always have been. Swimming has always been a part of my life. I don't even remember learning how to swim. I simply remember that swimming has always been a part of my life. It is not the case for most people in Botswana, or in Africa for that matter. In Botswana, which is landlocked, most people never have an opportunity to learn. There are rivers but they are riddled with crocodiles and hippos. And as such, there are many drownings in and around the Okavango district.
At my old house, a few friends and I began giving swimming lessons to local kids and teens from an orphanage. Many were scared to even touch the water with their toes during the first lesson, but eventually, most of them overcame their fear and began to enjoy the water. They jumped and splashed and it was hard to get them to listen to our lessons as all they wanted to do was play. The purpose of the lessons was twofold. We wanted to give these underprivileged kids the chance to cool off during the blistering summer days, but we also wanted to teach them about water safety and hopefully avoid more tragedies like the recent drownings.
We continually remind the kids that water is dangerous and that they have to be careful. We taught them to float and hold their breath. None of these kids can be called swimmers today, but hopefully with a bit of practice, they will have enough skills to make it to shore.
In memory of Jill, Omgee and Buddha. Live life to the fullest. Don't be afraid to take risks. And make the most of it.
Friday, March 4, 2011
D'Kar
In mid-February, I left Maun and headed to the settlement of D'Kar about 300 km away. I knew this was going to happen. I knew I'd have to leave the relative comfort of Maun and head out to the bush. I won't lie. I was apprehensive. I've had it pretty easy in Maun. Sure, I didn't have any water my last two and a half weeks in town, but I had friends who thankfully let me shower at their place. I also always had access to a grocery store, ATM, restaurants and an abundance of friends; all things I would be lacking in D'Kar.
Despite my reservations, I arrived in D'Kar with a positive attitude and ready to immerse myself in work and the town. To be honest, I was a little happy to be out of Maun because I'd had the worst week ever the previous week. My first day went well. I arrived around noon after an uneventful bus ride from Maun. Laura, my new boss at Letloa Health, picked me up on the side of the road and took me to my new house. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. I've got a good sized kitchen, a big room and decent facilities. I even have water most of the time. And sometimes it's hot! Like boiling!!!! Its like heaven!
I'm working at Letloa Trust, one of the trusts that make up the Kuru Family of Organizations. The main goal of Kuru is to build the capacity of the San (they are also called Bushmen or Basarwa). There has been a lot of confusion and conflict about the fate of the San in Botswana. The San were traditionally hunters who switched to agriculture as the result of government mandated modernization schemes between 1950 and 1990. In the mid-90s, the San were forced off their ancestral land by the government who then utilized the land for tourism. The San were forced to give up their traditional livelihood and move to settlements. The relocation of the San has been a great debate in Botswana with support from some and disdain from others.. Kuru aims to empower the San and teach others about tolerance and acceptance of the San.
The goal of Kuru is to develop a network of modern and professional development organizations with competent and responsible San leadership, facilitating a development process with marginalized communities to independently make informed decisions and to implement their own viable response to their situation.
I'm working with the Community Health Program which aims to prevent and treat TB. Although TB is curable, it is a lengthy treatment process and with many people living in isolated communities with no access to health care, it is a major killer in this part of the country. There is only a 59 percent cure rate in Ghanzi District where I work.
Letloa aims to raise that number to 75 percent in the next year. The first step is to bring the treatment to the affected communities. Through Community TB Care (CTBC), people in isolated settlements are gaining access to much needed health care. Not only are do they have access to health care in their communities, but they are receiving it in their local language.
There has long been a linguistic barrier between the health care workers and the communities they serve as many doctors speak English or Setswana. The San speak numerous traditional languages. The most commonly spoken language in D'kar in Naro. If, for example, a San from D'kar makes it to the hospital in Ghanzi, there is a strong possibility that they will not be able to communicate with the nurse or doctor. Since it already takes a lot of effort and time to make it to the hospital, many won't even bother since they are not receiving satisfactory treatment. Can you imagine walking into a hospital in Canada and you can't understand a single person working there? I know it happens to new immigrants and the older generation of immigrants, but in general, most us can leave the hospital with an understanding of what is wrong with us and how to deal with it. This is not the case for the San.
In partnership with local nurses and clinics, CTBC promoters ensure that TB patients receive and take their drugs daily. There are many patients who default on their treatment because they cannot make it to the nearest clinic to take their tablets. CTBC promoters bring the medicine to the patient in their homes. It is still a difficult task as many patients are not settled and move to farms or other settlements without telling the CTBC promoters. But it's a start.
The CTBC promoters do so much more than simply hand out tablets. They provide health talks to patients, family members and the community about TB symptoms and prevention, healthy living, the negative effects of alcohol while taking TB treatment and the link between HIV and TB to name a few. They test people for TB and encourage patients to test for HIV.
Community TB Care is working. Like any program, it has its challenges. We lack transportation to make it to the extremely rural settlements every month, there are still TB tablet shortages in the district as well as bottle and glove shortages to take samples. However, the program is growing and continues to improve. I am proud to be a part of its growth.
I used to fear coming to D'kar. I used to think this city girl couldn't handle herself in the bush. But I've surprised myself. Not only am I adapting, I think I'm thriving. I don't even dread the lonely nights as I've become accustomed to my nightly routine of running, showering (if there's water), cooking, working and reading. It's not even that repetitive to me. It might be a new found maturity (I recently turned 29), but I think it has more to do with accepting my situation and going for it.
Despite my reservations, I arrived in D'Kar with a positive attitude and ready to immerse myself in work and the town. To be honest, I was a little happy to be out of Maun because I'd had the worst week ever the previous week. My first day went well. I arrived around noon after an uneventful bus ride from Maun. Laura, my new boss at Letloa Health, picked me up on the side of the road and took me to my new house. I don't know what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. I've got a good sized kitchen, a big room and decent facilities. I even have water most of the time. And sometimes it's hot! Like boiling!!!! Its like heaven!
I'm working at Letloa Trust, one of the trusts that make up the Kuru Family of Organizations. The main goal of Kuru is to build the capacity of the San (they are also called Bushmen or Basarwa). There has been a lot of confusion and conflict about the fate of the San in Botswana. The San were traditionally hunters who switched to agriculture as the result of government mandated modernization schemes between 1950 and 1990. In the mid-90s, the San were forced off their ancestral land by the government who then utilized the land for tourism. The San were forced to give up their traditional livelihood and move to settlements. The relocation of the San has been a great debate in Botswana with support from some and disdain from others.. Kuru aims to empower the San and teach others about tolerance and acceptance of the San.
The goal of Kuru is to develop a network of modern and professional development organizations with competent and responsible San leadership, facilitating a development process with marginalized communities to independently make informed decisions and to implement their own viable response to their situation.
I'm working with the Community Health Program which aims to prevent and treat TB. Although TB is curable, it is a lengthy treatment process and with many people living in isolated communities with no access to health care, it is a major killer in this part of the country. There is only a 59 percent cure rate in Ghanzi District where I work.
Letloa aims to raise that number to 75 percent in the next year. The first step is to bring the treatment to the affected communities. Through Community TB Care (CTBC), people in isolated settlements are gaining access to much needed health care. Not only are do they have access to health care in their communities, but they are receiving it in their local language.
There has long been a linguistic barrier between the health care workers and the communities they serve as many doctors speak English or Setswana. The San speak numerous traditional languages. The most commonly spoken language in D'kar in Naro. If, for example, a San from D'kar makes it to the hospital in Ghanzi, there is a strong possibility that they will not be able to communicate with the nurse or doctor. Since it already takes a lot of effort and time to make it to the hospital, many won't even bother since they are not receiving satisfactory treatment. Can you imagine walking into a hospital in Canada and you can't understand a single person working there? I know it happens to new immigrants and the older generation of immigrants, but in general, most us can leave the hospital with an understanding of what is wrong with us and how to deal with it. This is not the case for the San.
In partnership with local nurses and clinics, CTBC promoters ensure that TB patients receive and take their drugs daily. There are many patients who default on their treatment because they cannot make it to the nearest clinic to take their tablets. CTBC promoters bring the medicine to the patient in their homes. It is still a difficult task as many patients are not settled and move to farms or other settlements without telling the CTBC promoters. But it's a start.
The CTBC promoters do so much more than simply hand out tablets. They provide health talks to patients, family members and the community about TB symptoms and prevention, healthy living, the negative effects of alcohol while taking TB treatment and the link between HIV and TB to name a few. They test people for TB and encourage patients to test for HIV.
Community TB Care is working. Like any program, it has its challenges. We lack transportation to make it to the extremely rural settlements every month, there are still TB tablet shortages in the district as well as bottle and glove shortages to take samples. However, the program is growing and continues to improve. I am proud to be a part of its growth.
I used to fear coming to D'kar. I used to think this city girl couldn't handle herself in the bush. But I've surprised myself. Not only am I adapting, I think I'm thriving. I don't even dread the lonely nights as I've become accustomed to my nightly routine of running, showering (if there's water), cooking, working and reading. It's not even that repetitive to me. It might be a new found maturity (I recently turned 29), but I think it has more to do with accepting my situation and going for it.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Inspiration!!!!!
A Uniterra volunteer in Nepal recently posted information about this amazing young American woman who is literally changing lives in the tiny village of Surkhet, Nepal.
I now obsessivly follow her escapades as she navigates being a principal, teacher, mother and caregiver to a growing number of children in one of the most remote places in Nepal.
She is truly awe-inspiring. I do not aspire to do what she does. I think I'm a bit too selfish, but this woman reminds me that I can do more than what I've been doing.
Oh, and she's 23!
Check our her foundation's website and read her journal entries: Blink Now Foundation
I now obsessivly follow her escapades as she navigates being a principal, teacher, mother and caregiver to a growing number of children in one of the most remote places in Nepal.
She is truly awe-inspiring. I do not aspire to do what she does. I think I'm a bit too selfish, but this woman reminds me that I can do more than what I've been doing.
Oh, and she's 23!
Check our her foundation's website and read her journal entries: Blink Now Foundation
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Village of Hope
I've been in Botswana for ten months now. I've had my ups and downs, some of them documented in this blog, others in personal emails.
The beginning of 2011 has been a bit rough with the move and the appearance of the tennis-ball shaped cyst on my right ovaries which is extremely painful but benign.
I've been mopping and wallowing the last few days and frankly, I'm driving myself crazy. So this morning, I made it my mission to regain some gratitude. Funny thing is, I didn't have to look very hard to find it. I was going through some photos taken a few weeks ago at a ceremony to honour the graduating class at Motse wa Thsolofelo daycare and pre-school where I work, and I was instantly reminded of how lucky I am.
Motse wa Tsholofelo Orphan and Vulnerable Children daycare was established in 2000 as a response to the needs of orphans and other vulnerable children in Maun, surrounding villages and settlements. The project is community-based and operates under Maun Counselling Centre. The daycare looks after 52 HIV-affected children aged two to six years-old and their caregivers. It provides educational activities, psychosocial support, meals, caregiver support and home visits to families.
Motse has a huge impact on both the lives of the children who attend the daycare and their caregivers. At the centre, children learn to develop social and academic skills that will prepare them for their future - both in school and in the community. The daycare supports orphan and vulnerable children from some of the poorest and hopeless communities in the regions. They are malnourished, vulnerable to illness and generally "forgotten" children. The centre provides them with three meals a day, basic education and a chance to play in a safe and friendly environment. Children learn basic social skills and how to interact with others.
Motse wa Tsholofelo Orphan and Vulnerable Children daycare was established in 2000 as a response to the needs of orphans and other vulnerable children in Maun, surrounding villages and settlements. The project is community-based and operates under Maun Counselling Centre. The daycare looks after 52 HIV-affected children aged two to six years-old and their caregivers. It provides educational activities, psychosocial support, meals, caregiver support and home visits to families.
Motse has a huge impact on both the lives of the children who attend the daycare and their caregivers. At the centre, children learn to develop social and academic skills that will prepare them for their future - both in school and in the community. The daycare supports orphan and vulnerable children from some of the poorest and hopeless communities in the regions. They are malnourished, vulnerable to illness and generally "forgotten" children. The centre provides them with three meals a day, basic education and a chance to play in a safe and friendly environment. Children learn basic social skills and how to interact with others.
Being a part of Motse is easily one of the best parts of living in Maun. The kids are hilarious and greet me with giant smiles and loud screams. Since they come from some of the poorest families in the region, their parents have no means to provide them with school uniforms or school supplies.
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| The kids always put on a serious face whenever I try to take their photos. In an effort to make them smile, I place my fingers on either side of my mouth and show them how to smile. The photo above is the result: A bunch of kids with their fingers next to their mouth! At least the kid in the middle got it! |
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| A graduating student receives her diploma from a volunteer teacher. Motse is run almost entirely by committed volunteers. The head teacher receives P2,000 (approximately $290 CDN) a month and the other teachers receive volunteer stipends of around $100 CDN/month. |
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| A student patiently waits for his diploma. |
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| One of the non-graduating students is all smiles during the graduation ceremony. |
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| The backpacks I helped purchase with money from Bonepwa +. |
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| The school supplies which will help our kids as they move on to Standard 1. |
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| The kids explore the contents of their new backpacks. |
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| My favourite little girl wears her best dress as she receives her new backpack. |
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| The kids pose with their new school gear. |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
You are all welcome in our home
I recently moved out of a huge, river view, air-conditionned mansion with a pool and into a modest, cinderblock home with no view, no hot water, no oven and tons of bugs!
The transition happened because the family I was living with moved to a smaller home and had no room for me. Housing is scarce in Maun and although I looked and looked, I couldn't find a place to call my own. Since no one offered me a couch, I reluctantly moved in with the guy I'm seeing. Reluctant because I'm just not ready to cohabit. I'm a very independent person and I enjoy my space. When I lived with the family, there was a lot of room for us to decompress and stay away from each other if necessary. Now, I do not have that luxury.
Instead, I'm faced with an influx of people who seemingly waltz in and out of my house whether they're invited or not. And eat our food, use our internet and complain when there is no food in the fridge. It drives me insane. My boyfriend and his roommate are from Zimbabwe and apparently this gives everyone an open invitation to our home. Makes sense, right? Not to this Canadian girl!
These boys have a strong sense of community, family and responsibility for others. In our case, our home is open to guests whether they leave at the end of the night or not and doubles as a storage unit for Zimbabweans who leave Botswana even those who may never come back. Seriously, we are storing a microwave-oven, a large metal chest, two computer monitors (not flat screen), two large boxes and a few camping mats for a man who left Botswana last year with no plans to return. But because he MIGHT return, we need to hold this crap for him...but we're not allowed to use any of it. We don't have an oven! I'm ready to rip that microwave oven out of its box and start cooking!
Maybe I'm just in culture shock, but I expect my home to be a safe haven; a place where I can go after a long day at work to relax, read a book, watch TV, do some yoga, etc. in relative peace. I'd also like to invite a few friends over but since I have no idea how many people will be in my house at any given time, I'm skeptical to send out invitations.
I know I've just moved in and it's not really "my" house so I've tried to be accepting but everyone has their limits. I pity the ungrateful, lazy, food stealing "guest" who feels my wrath when I finally blow up. It's coming. Wait for it.
The transition happened because the family I was living with moved to a smaller home and had no room for me. Housing is scarce in Maun and although I looked and looked, I couldn't find a place to call my own. Since no one offered me a couch, I reluctantly moved in with the guy I'm seeing. Reluctant because I'm just not ready to cohabit. I'm a very independent person and I enjoy my space. When I lived with the family, there was a lot of room for us to decompress and stay away from each other if necessary. Now, I do not have that luxury.
Instead, I'm faced with an influx of people who seemingly waltz in and out of my house whether they're invited or not. And eat our food, use our internet and complain when there is no food in the fridge. It drives me insane. My boyfriend and his roommate are from Zimbabwe and apparently this gives everyone an open invitation to our home. Makes sense, right? Not to this Canadian girl!
These boys have a strong sense of community, family and responsibility for others. In our case, our home is open to guests whether they leave at the end of the night or not and doubles as a storage unit for Zimbabweans who leave Botswana even those who may never come back. Seriously, we are storing a microwave-oven, a large metal chest, two computer monitors (not flat screen), two large boxes and a few camping mats for a man who left Botswana last year with no plans to return. But because he MIGHT return, we need to hold this crap for him...but we're not allowed to use any of it. We don't have an oven! I'm ready to rip that microwave oven out of its box and start cooking!
Maybe I'm just in culture shock, but I expect my home to be a safe haven; a place where I can go after a long day at work to relax, read a book, watch TV, do some yoga, etc. in relative peace. I'd also like to invite a few friends over but since I have no idea how many people will be in my house at any given time, I'm skeptical to send out invitations.
I know I've just moved in and it's not really "my" house so I've tried to be accepting but everyone has their limits. I pity the ungrateful, lazy, food stealing "guest" who feels my wrath when I finally blow up. It's coming. Wait for it.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bring on the Russians
Tonight, Team Canada faces the Russians in a showdown for the gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championships. This tournament is by far my favourite part of the New Year. Forget the parties, the champagne, the resolutions and all that jazz, the real wonder of the new year is seeing our young hockey talent take on the world.
Living in Botswana makes it difficult, if not impossible to watch any of this tournament. For some reason (probably the lack of ice), the Batswana would prefer watching Arsenal vs Chelsea or a game of cricket (which by the way, I still don't understand. How can a game last for days????).
Every morning, since Dec. 26, I wake up desperately needing TSN.ca. It used to be pretty easy as my house had internet access, but with the recent move (which I will update everyone about soon) and the office closed for the holidays, I was left texting my father in Canada and begging people who have internet in this town to check the score for me.
What a relief to know we demolished the Americans on Monday. I tossed and turned all night wishing I could watch the game and made sure to get the score as soon as I could. Now I must get ready for tonight. Although the game will start at 1 a.m. my time, I'm sure I'll be awake, stressing about the result. I love this championship. I love it more than the Stanley Cup Finals. But missing out on this year's tournament is the price I must pay for wearing flip flops and a summer dress on New Year's Eve.
Tomorrow morning, when I get to work and load TSN.ca, I fully expect to see our Canadian boys wearing gold!
Go Canada Go!!!!
Living in Botswana makes it difficult, if not impossible to watch any of this tournament. For some reason (probably the lack of ice), the Batswana would prefer watching Arsenal vs Chelsea or a game of cricket (which by the way, I still don't understand. How can a game last for days????).
Every morning, since Dec. 26, I wake up desperately needing TSN.ca. It used to be pretty easy as my house had internet access, but with the recent move (which I will update everyone about soon) and the office closed for the holidays, I was left texting my father in Canada and begging people who have internet in this town to check the score for me.
What a relief to know we demolished the Americans on Monday. I tossed and turned all night wishing I could watch the game and made sure to get the score as soon as I could. Now I must get ready for tonight. Although the game will start at 1 a.m. my time, I'm sure I'll be awake, stressing about the result. I love this championship. I love it more than the Stanley Cup Finals. But missing out on this year's tournament is the price I must pay for wearing flip flops and a summer dress on New Year's Eve.
Tomorrow morning, when I get to work and load TSN.ca, I fully expect to see our Canadian boys wearing gold!
Go Canada Go!!!!
How much is your life worth?
Three hundred and fifty pula. (about 54Canadian dollars)
That's how much the prostitutes who live near my house charge for unprotected sex. It's only 50 pula if you wear a condom. You'd be surprised how many people pay the big bucks for condomless sex, with reasons like "you wouldn't eat a candy with the wrapper on, would you?"
A lot of people prefer the feeling of unprotected sex, but that doesn't mean they partake in it, especially not with people they don't know and those who work in the sex trade. It makes no sense. Especially in Botswana.
The HIV prevalence rate in Botswana is 17.6 percent.
You do the math.
So, how much is your life worth?
Mine is worth a lot more than 350 pula and a hell of a lot more than a night of great sex.
That's how much the prostitutes who live near my house charge for unprotected sex. It's only 50 pula if you wear a condom. You'd be surprised how many people pay the big bucks for condomless sex, with reasons like "you wouldn't eat a candy with the wrapper on, would you?"
A lot of people prefer the feeling of unprotected sex, but that doesn't mean they partake in it, especially not with people they don't know and those who work in the sex trade. It makes no sense. Especially in Botswana.
The HIV prevalence rate in Botswana is 17.6 percent.
You do the math.
So, how much is your life worth?
Mine is worth a lot more than 350 pula and a hell of a lot more than a night of great sex.
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