The CITW Botswana recently had an exciting trip to visit their Eco-Clubs in the Okavango Panhandle with the American Embassy Representative, Phatsimo Kwenane and a Representative from Ministry of Education, Maun Regional Office Mrs. Danso.
The main reason for the visit was to assess the CITW projects in the schools and to learn how the Eco-Clubs are run. Though there are some challenges in running the Eco-Clubs CITW strives to support them to be more resilient through providing materials and support needed for the running of the club.
GUDIGWA
The meeting started at 3 0’clock after a long drive early in the morning from Maun to Gudigwa with our guests. The meeting was attended by the Head teacher and her deputy and one Eco-Club committee member. The deputy welcomed the CITW team and guests, mentioned that they were aware that that they would have some visitors from the American Embassy and the Ministry of Education. Mary Hastag started by introducing the guests to the school and explained the reason for the visits, then the Eco-Club coordinators were given a chance to show what they are doing in their Eco-Club and to explain the successes and challenges of it. Unfortunately as it was not an Eco-Club day the visitors could not see the Club in action but at least the Coordinator could share what they are doing and show the guests the existing projects which have been done, including the Orchard, labelling of the indigenous trees in the school, worm farming and the vegetable garden.
BEETSHA
The journey continued to Beetsha Primary School the following day where the team was met by the Deputy School Head, Eco-Club Committee, Adult Eco-Club Committee members and the school Eco-Club members. After the introductory meeting the team had an opportunity to attend an Eco-Lesson co-conducted by Ms. Moamerika and Mr. Petrus. They then had an Eco-Club projects tour in the school which was attended by the two guests and Gaba from CITW, while Mary Hastag held a meeting with the Beetsha Adult Eco-Club. This meeting included a Wonderbag demonstration and a discussion of what projects they would like to do to improve their livelihoods.
GUNOTSOGA
CITW crew continued with their trip to Gunotsoga, where the meeting was attended by three Eco-Club members and 3 Adult Eco-Club members. The club coordinator, Mr Ogorogile welcomed the guests to Gunotsoga Primary School. Then they all attended a Wonderbag training which was done by Mary Hastag to the Adult Eco-Club with each member going to get five bags to start their business. The adult group was very excited to participate in the Wonderbag project and thanked OWS for its commitment to the community.
The representatives from American Embassy and Ministry of Education were very impressed by the commitment the adults and teachers have to the projects they are doing.
The Eco-Club Coordinator, Mr Ogorogile held the lesson which was attended by the visitors, after which there was an overview of the projects that they have been done, as well as the overall Eco-Club progress. The children were so happy to have visitors in their school and excited to see their end product of the Morula jam.
Seronga was the last village visited. There were lots of activities done by the Eco-Club members which made the two representatives particularly happy. The Eco-Club Coordinator, Ms.Masalila, gave an overview of lessons done and a presentation of different projects was done by the Eco-Club members. At the end the Eco-Club members concluded with a short drama.
