BOTSWANA 2008 

BWA    +20 ans

Frais complémentaires à régler à l'arrivée : 200 US$

BOTSWANA WORK CAMPS ASSOCIATION

1.0 Background Information on BWA and Botswana

A Brief Overview

History

Botswana Work camps Association (BWA) is a non-governmental, non-profit making voluntary organisation, was started in 1979 in Mochudi and was registered with the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in April 1980 under societies act. It also known as “Lekgotla La Baithaopi” in our Setswana, which means a voluntary organization.

BWA was started in 1979 when it was first launched in Mochudi. Its first president was Kgosi Linchwe II, who was responsible for publicizing organizational events and other meetings that generated awareness about BWA.

BWA has since chosen Mr Kagiso Nazarullah Ntime as the President as of from 2006-2008

Location
Its Headquarters are based in Boseja North Ward, Mochudi , Botswana .
BWA is a member of the Southern Africa Work camps Cooperation (SAWC) and affiliated to Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), founded in 1948 to assist and promote work-camps throughout the world.

Who we work with
BWA also has partner organizations Worldwide. They work together on international exchanges as well as projects, seminars and conferences.
We also work with local NGOs and Community Based Organizations in Botswana to aid national development through the promotion of a spirit of self –help.

Organizational Structure
BWA is led by a National Executive Committee of eleven people who are responsible for policy-making and executive decisions for the association as well as the employment of the BWA secretariat. The Executive Committee is accountable to the BWA general membership, who through the Annual General Meetings, make decisions about issues that affect the association

It also has the national council which has representatives from all branches of BWA. Its main responsibility is to decide on policy matters before being passed to the Executive Committee.

Institutional Framework for Botswana Work camps Association (BWA)

BWA is governed by an Executive Committee, comprised of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary General, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Additional members. They are responsible for ensuring good governance and providing leadership in accordance with Constitution of the Society which stresses accountability, transparency and democratic, principles. The Executive Committee assures oversight and policy and is actively involved in mobilizing funds and resources for the sustainability of the project.

A management committee, comprised of a Chairperson, Secretary General and Treasurer, meets on a monthly basis with BWA staff and advises the Executive on the design and implementation of activities.

BWA is a member of the Botswana Council of NGOs and the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC). It networks with relevant departments and institutions of higher learning and research in the country. Few donors remain committed to funding for projects in Botswana due to the perception that Botswana is a wealthy country. However, it has one of the highest income gaps in the world. The impact of this reduction in developmental aid means that NGOs struggle to survive. As a result of limitations to institutional support, some operate on a survival budget; others are forced to cut down on staff and others are on the brink of collapse.

Government Support Analysis

BWA has representatives that enjoy the support of the Department of Youth and Culture and many other government departments.

BWA is held in high esteem by the Government of Botswana and the staff at BWA is often consulted about programming and planning in all areas that affect national youth.

Under the “planning and strategy for Development” chapter of the National Development Plan 8 (NDP8) it is stated “Non governmental Organizations” (NGOs) and the community institutions will increasingly be involved in the co-ordination of rural development activities”. In general, there is a growing trend for key government officials to see NGOs as valuable partners and debate has started as to the extent that government should fund the work of NGOs. Various NGOs have and are receiving in-kind support. This comes to the fore in the Community Based Strategy for Rural Development policy paper released by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) in February 1997 in conjunction with the release of NDP8. It states:”there is a need and a potential to substantially expand efforts to provide NGOs in rural development. This will require greater efforts to provide NGOs with opportunities for assisting in rural development activities, together with provision of training and support for institutional strengthening of NGOs”.

Rapid social changes

The development process in Botswana has taken place very quickly and has generated rapid and dislocating changes in family and relationships outside the family. The fact that many men and women, youth and children have not been adequately prepared to understand and cope with tensions arising from intergenerational conflicts and the interaction between Tswana and foreign cultures means they are experiencing role conflicts or debilitating identity crisis. Unemployment and other existential problems are causing youth to lose confidence and sense of direction. As a consequence, there is role confusion, feelings of powerlessness, hopelessness and self rejection which cause many youth to resort to the use of the following destructive coping mechanisms: committing suicide, abusing alcohol and drugs, physically abusing women and other men deserting families.

Poverty

Talk about Botswana is often about its enviable economic performance. However, the country is characterized by gross socio-economic inequalities: there is great concern over the uneven development as exhibited by rising unemployment, persistent poverty and widening income inequality.
The poverty study carried out in 1997, revealed that close to 50% of Batswana are living below poverty datum line.

The incidence of poverty is more pronounced in rural areas and affects youth more severely.

Alcohol and drug abuse

Alcohol abuse appears to be on the increase in the country. It is cited in the Botswana Police Report on Rape as` one of the factors contributing to juvenile delinquency, crimes rape and related offences. The report of the Proceedings of the National Symposium on Alcohol Use and Abuse in Botswana has also identified social problems emanating from drinking, family disruption, marital discord, child, spouse abuse, child neglect, child development problems, school, drop-outs, mental disorder and poverty.

Culture and socialization

The process of patriarchal socialization in our society contributes to the subordination of youth in the youth in the society. Our culture conditions children and youth and society as a whole to think

In some communities in Botswana , the cultural practice of early child marriages is still prevalent . Young girls in some communities are removed from school and forced into marriage. By denying these girls a chance to go on with their education, their parents are effectively curtailing their chances of success in the future. Similarly, the high rate of teenage pregnancy contributes to the feminization of poverty. The BWA would like to implement a communication intervention for the empowerment of young people so that they can become ambitious and avoid any activities that might hinder them from achieving education and personal development.

General rise in crime

There is a rise in crime which is sign of the increasing levels of social conflict. This rise in crime comes with an increase in violence against women. This is so because increase in criminal activity suggests that many frustrated individuals end up being aggressive

2.0 Physical location of BWA headquarters

BWA is located in a village named Mochudi , Botswana , Africa .It is just around 35Km Northwest of Gaborone , the capital city of Botswana . It is easily accessible bus transportation at the interval of 30 minutes.

To access our office In Mochudi, it is Boseja Northward, near Cheap site Shopping Complex. The combi (taxi) route is: Route 6 or 11 and ask to go off at BWA. Make sure you communicate to the taxi driver or combi well in advance to avoid inconveniences

Contact Us via Email:  Montle Maotwe –Coordinator: montlemaotwe@yahoo.com ,maotwe@bwa.org.bw 

Chairperson: Kabelo Thari: kthari@tatinickel.co.bw, thari@bwa.org.bw

BWA website: www.bwa.org.bw 

3.0 TYPES OF PROJECTS FOR INTERNATIONAL CAMPS

The International volunteer projects that BWA offers, brings together individuals from around the world for 2-3 week work camps. Participants work together as an international team on different kinds of projects, including:

Environmental: Tree planting, improving nature trails in parks, recycling, refuse removal, soil erosion prevention and maintenance of footpaths.

Construction: public toilets, classrooms, community halls, irrigation channels, clinics, paving and brick moulding

Renovation: historical monuments, archaeological sites, cultural centres, community centres, old bridges and any other related work

Social Work: with/for children, refugees, people with disabilities, womens groups and play schemes for children in difficult circumstances

Others: solidarity camps, cultural camps and debushing

4.0 WHEN DO WORKCAMPS TAKE PLACE

The work camps run between set dates for two-three weeks in length. The weather conditions are as follows:

Summer: November, December, and January
Autumn: February, March, April
Winter: May, June, and July
Spring: August, September, and October

The work camp programme for each year is available at the beginning of the year and it is given to all partner organization around the world

Who are work camp participants?

An international work camp is made up of volunteers from different nationalities worldwide. Volunteers normally do not know each other until they arrive. They are usually from partner organizations of BWA around d the world.

Skills of the individual volunteer

Commitment of volunteers; Project or work camps are not just cheap holidays; hard work and full participation is required.
Specific motivation may be required for some projects.
ENGLISH is usually the medium of communication in work camp.
Enthusiasm and flexible approach

5.0 Schedule of International Workcamp Programme for 2008

Schedule of International Voluntary Projects
2008 INTERNATIONAL WORKCAMPS PROGRAMME

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS

CAMP CODE : BWA01SER                                                                                                                                           DATES: 4^th- May- 17^th May 2008
LOCATION: Serowe Museum
PROJECT TYPE: Landscaping
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 10
ABOUT THE HOST
Khama Memorial Museum is in the pre-historic village of Serowe ,
which is one of the largest traditional villages in Africa . The
museum has been working with the community of Serowe for around
17 years and during this time it has gained considerable
understanding about the needs of the community in regard to
maintaining and enhancing knowledge about Botswana ’s history.

WORK
The work includes landscaping in front of the newly constructed
Youth Centre and helping to beautify the area. Working with other Non- Governmental Organizations in the area is also essential

ACCOMMODATION
Volunteers will be accommodated in tents and roundavels. There are
showers for men & women with hot water

Places of interest around Serowe:

There are a couple of interesting places around Serowe .This includes
the Cemetery Of The Khama Empire who was the first President and Chief
of the Bamangwato tribe.

______________________________________________________________________

CAMP CODE : BWA02KRS
DATES: 2^nd – 14^th June 2008
LOCATION: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
PROJECT TYPE: Environmental Conservation
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 10
Khama Rhino Sanctuary lies 25km north of Serowe village. The sanctuary is a
community trust and provides prime habitat for white rhinoceros and many other species of wild animals and birds. A black rhino has just been introduced in the park. For more information check their website at: www.Khamarhinosanctuary.org

WORK
Volunteers will assist in different activities in the park including creating
roads to create a nice network of roads within the park.
The other work includes maintenance of directional signs around the park,
cutting the grass around the electrified fence so that the animals don’t get
electrocuted trying to graze near the fence.

ACCOMMODATION
Big tents will be provided in the sanctuary at the Mokongwa camping site inside
the sanctuary. There are showers with hot water and toilets. You are urged to
bring your own tent as well.
______________________________________________________________________

CAMP CODE : BWA03MOK
DATES: 9^th – 21^st June 2008
LOCATION: Mokolodi Nature Réserve
PROJECT TYPE: Environmental Conservation
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 10

ABOUT THE HOST:
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located around 15km south of Gaborone wide range
of animals can be seen in the reserve including leopards, giraffes, elephants
and a variety of small animals and birds. There are numerous day and evening
game drives and some educational lectures. For more information check their
website at: www.mokolodi.com

WORK: helping in maintenance of the park by maintaining trail parks, helping
in day to day business maintenance of the park

ACCOMMODATION
Camping equipments including tents will be provided inside the reserve.
_____________________________________________________________________
CAMP CODE : BWA04PTB
DATES: 23rd June – 5^th July 2008
LOCATION: Serowe Village
PROJECT TYPE: Environmental Conservation & Gardening
No of Volunteers: 10
ABOUT THE HOST:
Permaculture Trust of Botswana is a rural development NGO
that provides assistance in the area of Ecological land-use management. It
strongly encourages and supports tradition and culture values hat relate to
sustainable environmental use. Targeted groups include: remote area dwellers, rural small communal dwellers, otherNGOs

                                                                                                                                                                         WORK
-Extension of the garden (debushing)
-Maintenance of the garden (weeding, pruning, watering the vegetables
-Maintaining the orchard near the office (planting trees and flowers)
-Feeding chickens and collecting eggs                                               

ACCOMODATION
Volunteers are accommodated in rooms made available by the management. Provision of tents sometimes is available for those who want to use them. Toilet facilities are available at all times.
_____________________________________________________________________
CAMP CODE : BWA05MAUN
DATES: 7^th - 19^th July 2008
PROJECT TYPE: Environmental Conservation
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 10
ABOUT THE HOST
The village of Maun is around 927km North West of the capital Gaborone. The work camp will take place inside the park, which is managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. It was established as a warm-up for tourist as they move further into the Okavango . Its wild residents include giraffes, wild beast, baboons, warthogs and other species of small animals and birds.

WORK
Renovation of the camping site, improving nature trails and any other work that
may be assigned by the warders

ACCOMMODATION
Camping tents will be provided. Showers and toilets are available at the camping site.          _______________________________________________________________________
CAMP CODE : BWA06NewXade

Dates: 7th – 19^th July 2008

PROJECT TYPE: Construction & Cultural Camp

No of Volunteers: 10

ABOUT THE HOST: 

This project is fully organized by Permaculture Trust of Botswana . Permaculture Trust of Botswana is a rural development NGO
that provides assistance in the area of Ecological land-use management. It
strongly encourages and support tradition and culture values hat relate to
sustainable environmental use. Targeted groups include:
Remote area dwellers
Rural small communal dwellers
Other NGOs  

WORK: building of shelters for the San people under the fund solicited by Permaculture. Volunteers will assist towards provision of labour in the building of the shelters with the assistance of community members who the houses will entirely be built for them.

CAMP CODE : BWA07KRS
DATES: 15^th – 26^th July 2008                                                                              LOCATION: Khama Rhino Sanctuary
PROJECT TYPE: Environmental Conservation
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 10
ABOUT THE HOST
Khama Rhino Sanctuary lies 25km north of Serowe village. The sanctuary is a community trust
and provides prime habitat for white rhinoceros and many other species of wild animals and
birds. A black rhino has just been introduced in the park. For more information check their
website at: www.khamarhinosanctuary.org

WORK
Volunteers will assist in different activities in the park including patrolling with game
scouts on rotational basis and provide voluntary work in form of labour, assisting in any kind of work for maintenance for the park                                                                                                                     

 ACCOMMODATION 

Camping equipments including tents will be provided inside the reserve ________________________________________________________________________
CAMP CODE: BWA08MOK
DATES: 22^nd July- 1^st August 2008
LOCATION: Mokolodi Nature Reserve
PROJECT TYPE: Environ mental Conservation
NO. OF VOLUNTEERS: 10
ABOUT THE HOST
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located around 15km south of Gaborone wide range of animals can be seen in the reserve including leopards, giraffes, elephants and a variety of small animals and birds. There are numerous day and evening game drives and some educational lectures. For more information check their website at:  www.mokolodi.com   

WORK: helping in maintenance of the park by maintaining trail parks, helping in day to day business maintenance of the park

ACCOMMODATION
Camping equipments including tents will be provided inside the reserve.