Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BOTSWANA
A P E A C E C O R P S P U B L I C ATI O N
FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
January 2008
A WELCOME LETTER
Congratulations on having been selected to join Peace Corps/
Botswana. The organization has a proud legacy of more than 35
years of service here, and its contributions to the development of
this nation are well-recognized and appreciated. Currently, there are
about 90 Volunteers working to support the government of Botswana
in its fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
The staff in Botswana is committed to providing the best medical,
training, programmatic, and administrative support we can. At the
same time, we will look to you to be as independent as self-reliant as
possible. During pre-service training (PST), you will begin to learn
Setswana and adapt to the culture, which will include living with a
Batswana family. You will develop the community-entry skills needed
for your assignment, and discover how to maintain your health and
reduce safety and security risks during your service.
It is important to realize that PST is a time for both you and the
Peace Corps staff to assess your suitability for service in Botswana.
A two-year commitment should not be entered into casually and is
one that you may need to reaffirm in many ways during PST and
throughout your service. In fairness to our local partners and to
safeguard the reputation of the organization, we do periodically make
the decision that a trainee or Volunteer is not suited to service here
and return him or her home.
As you may have already heard, the extent to which you become
an accepted and valued colleague and community member depends
largely on you. If you come with an open mind, a warm heart, and
a good sense of humor, you will do well. Although we are here
to support you, you are the ultimate architect and builder of a
successful Peace Corps service.
Please read this Welcome Book as part of your preparation for
living and working in Botswana as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
We look forward to meeting you.
Peggy McClure
Country Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Map of Botswana
A Welcome Letter 1
Packing List 83
Pre-departure Checklist 87
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commitment to action through a national strategic AIDS plan.
The President, having committed his two terms in office to
dealing with the impact of HIV/AIDS, heads the National
AIDS Council. The government has mobilized resources,
both internally and externally, in a fashion heretofore
unprecedented in confronting any national disaster. Botswana
consistently makes the news as one of the few countries
willing to provide free antiretroviral drugs to pregnant women
and to those infected with HIV. An increasing awareness of
the need for multi-sector care and prevention strategies is
leading to innovative partnerships with both civil society
organizations and the business community.
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• Working with leadership structures (traditional, formal
and informal) to identify and dismantle the causes of
stigma and discrimination;
• Developing a database to collect information on PMTCT
for report writing;
• Mobilizing and educating communities on HIV/AIDS;
• Designing and implementing strategies to promote male
involvement.
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utilize supportive resources available throughout your training
and service to maintain your own emotional strength so that
you can continue to be of service to your community.
Government
Economy
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$6,000 in 2004. Despite its categorization as a middle income
country, there is high unemployment (approximately 25
percent), and a wide gap between those participating fully in
the economy and those who do not.
Environment
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the Kalahari sand dunes, and an abundance of wildlife. Much
of the country is flat, with gentle undulations and occasional
rocky outcrops. In the northwest, the Okavango River drains
inland from Angola to form the Okavango Delta. In the central
northeast is a large area of hardpan plains bordering the
Makgadikgadi Pans. In the east, adjacent to the Limpopo
drainage system, the land rises above 3,960 feet (1,200 meters),
and the Limpopo Valley gradually descends from 2,970 feet
(900 meters) in the south to 1,650 feet (500 meters) at its
confluence with the Shashe River. This eastern region, which
straddles the north-south railway line, has a somewhat less
harsh climate and more fertile soil than elsewhere; it is here
that most Batswana live.
http://gaborone.usembassy.gov/
Visit the website of the U.S. embassy in Botswana.
www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations
This is an excellent site for travel books, maps, and general
information.
www.worldtravelguide.net
This site’s comprehensive travel guides include information on
climate, health issues, and more.
www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm
This online world atlas includes maps and geographical
information, and each country page contains links to
other sites, such as the Library of Congress, that contain
comprehensive historical, social, and political background.
www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/
This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical
information for member states of the U.N.
www.worldinformation.com
This site provides an additional source of current and
historical information about countries around the world.
www.rpcv.org
This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made
up of returned Volunteers. Here you can find links to all the
Web pages of the “friends of” groups for most countries of
service, composed of former Volunteers who served in those
countries. There are also regional groups who frequently get
together for social events and local Volunteer activities. Or go
straight to the Friends of Botswana page:
www.rpcv.org/pages/webpage.cfm?id=24.
http://www.rpcvwebring.org
This site is known as the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
Web Ring. Browse the Web ring to see what former Volunteers
are saying about their service.
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www.peacecorpswriters.org
This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers.
It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer
accounts from countries around the world.
www.gazette.bw
The website of the Botswana Gazette, a weekly newspaper
based in Gaborone
www.gov.bw
The website of the government of Botswana offers daily news
articles.
www.mmegi.bw
The website of Mmegi, a newspaper based in Gaborone
www.mg.co.za/
The Mail & Guardian of South Africa contains articles of
regional interest.
www.usaid.gov
U.S. Agency for International Development
www.unaids.org
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
www.undp.org
United Nations Development Programme
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Books on the Volunteer Experience
1. Banerjee, Dillon. So You Want to Join the Peace
Corps: What to Know Before You Go. Berkeley, Calif.:
Ten Speed Press, 2000.
Mail
Postal rates in Botswana are reasonable, and airmail to the
United States generally takes about a week. Mail supplies
can be purchased at all post office branches. Sending large
packages via airmail can be very expensive, but smaller items
such as photographs or CDs can be sent for a reasonable fee.
Surface mail from the United States to Botswana can take
two months or more to arrive. Advise your family and friends
to keep all documentation related to the packages they send
to Botswana so that any package that does not arrive can be
traced. Postal insurance is a good idea when sending packages
from the United States.
Telephones
Domestic and international phone service is available
throughout Botswana. Service is more expensive than in
the United States, particularly for international calls. While
there are few public phone booths, individuals offering phone
services can be found in nearly every corner of small towns
and villages. You can purchase a cellphone in-country for less
than $100, although ones with additional features can cost
considerably more, and the network covers most towns and
28 PEACE CORPS
Living Allowance and Money Management
Transportation
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Social Activities
Personal Safety
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understanding. Most are able to point to specific contributions
they have made to a country’s development. In Botswana,
such contributions might include increasing the dialogue
about HIV/AIDS, promoting the use of HIV/AIDS programs and
services, seeing co-workers adopt new ways of accomplishing
their jobs with an increase in productivity and effectiveness,
decreasing stigma and discrimination against people with
HIV/AIDS, and helping organizations develop and implement
HIV/AIDS programs.
You will have less guidance and direction than you would get
in a new job in the United States. Things will undoubtedly
move at a much slower pace than that to which you are
accustomed. You will probably need to make a paradigm shift
from the American orientation toward tangible results to
the Batswana love for a consultative process and protocol.
To succeed in this environment, you will need a high degree
of patience, self-confidence, creativity, and flexibility. If you
do not deal well with gray areas, Botswana is probably not a
good match for you. But if you come with a healthy respect
for the process of being a Peace Corps Volunteer, as well as a
desire to make tangible changes, you will have an incredible
experience.
Language Training
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills
are the key to personal and professional satisfaction during
your service. These skills are critical to your job performance,
they help you integrate into your community, and they can
ease your personal adaptation to the new surroundings.
Therefore, language training is the heart of the training
program, and you must successfully meet minimum language
requirements to complete training and become a Volunteer.
Experienced teachers will provide intensive instruction in the
Setswana language in classes of four to five people.
36 PEACE CORPS
Cross-Cultural Training
As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a
Batswana host family. This experience is designed to ease
your transition to life at your site. Families go through an
orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the
purpose of pre-service training and to assist them in helping
you adapt to living in Botswana. Many Volunteers form strong
and lasting friendships with their host families.
Health Training
During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical
training and information. You will be expected to practice
preventive healthcare and to take responsibility for your
own health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are
required to attend all medical sessions. The topics include
preventive health measures and minor and major medical
issues that you might encounter while in Botswana. Nutrition,
mental health, safety and security, setting up a safe living
compound, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.
Safety Training
During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to
adopt a lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and
during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective
strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your
individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your
service.
38 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary
inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy.
Upon your arrival in Botswana, you will receive a medical
42 PEACE CORPS
typhoid fever. While most locations in Botswana have safe
drinking water, the medical officers will discuss specific
standards for water and food preparation in Botswana during
pre-service training.
44 PEACE CORPS
Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)
Tinactin (antifungal cream)
Tweezers
If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your
physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office
of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update
your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant
has recommended that you undergo dental treatment or
repair, you must complete that work and make sure your
dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the
Office of Medical Services.
If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you—a pair and
a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace it, using
the information your doctor in the United States provided on
the eyeglasses form during your examination. We discourage
you from using contact lenses during your Peace Corps
service to reduce your risk of developing a serious infection
or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do not have
appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care with
the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply
or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless an
ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific
medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical
Services has given approval.
46 PEACE CORPS
during your service if you think age or pre-existing conditions
might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan
when you return home.
48 PEACE CORPS
Strategies to reduce the risk/impact of burglary:
• Live with a local family or on a family compound
• Put strong locks on doors and keep valuables in a lock
box or trunk
• Leave irreplaceable objects at home in the U.S.
• Follow Peace Corps guidelines on maintaining home
security
50 PEACE CORPS
1The average numbers of incidents are in parenthesis and equal the average
reported assaults for each year between 2002–2006.
2Incident rates equal the number of assaults per 100 Volunteers and trainees
per year (V/T years). Since most sexual assaults occur against females, only
female V/Ts are calculated in rapes and other sexual assaults. Numbers of
incidents are approximate due to rounding.
3Data collection for Botswana began as of 2002; due to the small number of
V/T years, incidence rates should be interpreted with caution.
Sexual Assauts are termed Other Sexual Assault and Other Physical Assault
per CIRF definitions as of the year 2006. Prior to CIRF and prior to 2006,
Sexual Assaults were termed Minor Sexual Assault Assault and Minor Physical
Assault per ANSS definitions.
Source data on incidents are drawn from Assault Notification Surveillance
System (ANSS), Epidemiologic Surveillance System (ESS), and Crime
Incident Reporting Form (CIRF); the information is accurate as of 10/22/07.
52 PEACE CORPS
Crimes that occur overseas, of course, are investigated and
prosecuted by local authorities in local courts. Our role is
to coordinate the investigation and evidence collection with
the regional security officers (RSOs) at the U.S. embassy,
local police, and local prosecutors and others to ensure that
your rights are protected to the fullest extent possible under
the laws of the country. OIG investigative staff has extensive
experience in criminal investigation, in working sensitively
with victims, and as advocates for victims. We also, may, in
certain limited circumstances, arrange for the retention of a
local lawyer to assist the local public prosecutor in making the
case against the individual who perpetrated the violent crime.
54 PEACE CORPS
participating in the local activities, acting responsibly, and
abiding by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving
safely and effectively in Botswana may require that you
accept some restrictions on your current lifestyle.
56 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
60 PEACE CORPS
and private-sector posts are held by women. In addition, the
government has developed a national gender program to
improve the lives of vulnerable women. Nevertheless, rural,
less educated women at the lower end of the socioeconomic
scale tend to have less authority and responsibility than men
do for income, spending, and reproductive health. Although
this is changing, many rural communities have not had much
experience with women who take on professional roles,
remain unmarried, and live away from their families. Thus,
female Volunteers may experience a great deal of unwanted
attention and may need to practice discretion in public.
During both cross-cultural and safety training sessions,
all Volunteers are provided with strategies and practice in
limiting and responding to unwanted attention.
62 PEACE CORPS
Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers
Most Batswana have some religious affiliation, and many
attend church regularly. Most meetings, government-
sponsored or not, often start with a prayer. Both Christian
and non-Christian Volunteers may be expected to attend
church with the members of their community. They may be
asked to explain why they do not belong to a certain Christian
denomination or may be actively recruited by a Christian
group. Volunteers may not be able to adequately convey their
own religious beliefs because of language or cultural barriers.
66 PEACE CORPS
personal belongings. However, you can purchase personal
property insurance before you leave. If you wish, you may
contact your own insurance company; additionally, insurance
application forms will be provided, and we encourage you to
consider them carefully. Volunteers should not ship or take
valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras,
and expensive appliances are subject to loss, theft, and
breakage, and in many places, satisfactory maintenance and
repair services are not available.
One of the greatest gifts you can provide to your host family
and friends is information about yourself and your life in the
United States. For this reason, we encourage you to bring
photos of the people and things that are important in
your life.
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in and out. SIM cards in Botswana cost about $15. The cost
of a new cellphone in Botswana is approximately $100. Peace
Corps does not provide cellphones to Volunteers, nor do they
provide funds to enable Volunteers to buy phones.
72 PEACE CORPS
Volunteers brought things such as books, journals, laptops
(you can buy movies here very cheaply). Whatever helps you
pass the time bring it!
In the end, the most important things to pack are not
material or tangible, but rather acceptance, an open mind,
kindness, and humility. So relax and just pack what you
can. You can always buy here what you feel you still need
after nine weeks of training and being to site. You might be
surprised at what seems important now, but you cannot even
remember once you are here!
And always remember that you are a little ambassador of
peace who imparts a spirit of dedication, hope, and inspiration
upon everyone you meet.
Go Siame,
— Ashlee “Olorato” Irwin
74 PEACE CORPS
be bitterly cold. Don’t forget your nice casual wear either, as
you’ll want to look good when you go out on the town. If you
like camping, a tent and sleeping bag are holiday essentials.
Basically, bring a little bit of everything and you’ll be fine.
And don’t forget your books and CDs, as Peace Corps
Volunteers end up sharing a lot!
Good luck as you pack and say your goodbyes. You should
never get too lonely here because you’ll always have your
fellow Volunteers, and we really are kind of like a family. We’re
looking forward to meeting you! You’re going to learn and
grow so much over the next few years and I wish you all the
best. Oh yeah—and you’ll have a lot of fun!!!
Go fitlhelela re kopana mo Botswana… (Until we meet in
Botswana…)
Pula!!!
— Kevin Collins
76 PEACE CORPS
breakfast and soon after sundown during winter. Here’s a
short list of non-clothing items to bring. Remember that the
capital, Gaborone, is very Westernized and you can purchase
almost any item there.
• A shortwave radio that works well
• Music
• Books (but don’t go overboard—there are a couple of
great bookstores in the capital and many villages have
good libraries)
• Sleeping bags are better than blankets
• Electrical converters—be aware that for heat-producing
appliances (hairdryers, irons), you need a high-wattage
converter
We hope these few suggestions have been helpful. Botswana
is a beautiful country in transition—from a traditional to a
Westernized society, from an impoverished nation to a middle-
income economy and, with your involvement, from a country
suffering with the highest HIV prevalence to a healthy and
vital nation.
Go siame,
— Bob Hicks and Debra Smith-Hicks
78 PEACE CORPS
in and around Botswana, and you won’t want to be bogged
down while you travel. You will not need to pack toiletry items
(other than special items you can’t live without or what you’ll
need to get you through training). You can get just about
anything you’ll need in familiar brands just about anywhere.
Botswana is still very traditional in many ways, but Batswana,
especially the younger generations, are very modern.
Professional work clothes that are acceptable in an office in
the States are usually acceptable here, too (nice pants or
skirts and almost any nice shirts). I came prepared to wear
long skirts and baggy shirts every day. Although I still need
these for some events and some workplaces are more strict
than others, within a few weeks I had my parents send me
another box of clothes that I liked better. One returned Peace
Corps Volunteer told me that I should bring a few things that
make me feel good. Be sure to bring a couple of outfits and
shoes that you would wear in a club or when you are just
hanging around. And don’t forget those comfy outfits that you
will sleep in or lounge around in, or clean the house in.
When you are thinking of exactly what clothes to bring,
remember that in the winter (about two to three months) it
really is very cold. You will need a hat, mittens, scarf, long
johns, warm socks, warm jacket and a few warm sweaters.
However, in the summer it is also hotter than hot! You will
need a hat to shade your face, and cool and comfortable
breathable clothing made in linen or lightweight cotton. Also
remember that you will be doing your own laundry so bring
items that are durable and easy to wash. Batswana are very
particular about looking clean and neatly pressed, so be sure
that you come prepared to iron or have materials that don’t
need as much effort.
Don’t let the weight and size limit of your luggage stress
you out. Bringing more with you is worth it in mailing costs.
Although you should try to live a simpler life, don’t deprive
yourself of anything (some days are hard enough on their
own), but it is amazing to see how “necessary items” change
throughout your service!
80 PEACE CORPS
NOTES
General Clothing
For Men
• Dress slacks and khaki trousers (jeans are not
appropriate at work)
• Lightweight cotton dress shirts (T-shirts are not
appropriate at work)
• Dress shoes or loafers (tennis shoes or sandals are not
appropriate at work)
• Sports coat or suit for special events
• Ties
• Durable jeans (for weekends, travel, or after-work
wear)
• Casual shoes (tennis or running)
• Warm coat
• Sweaters or fleece pullovers
For Women
• Dresses or skirts (knee length or longer for work,
no denim; nice slacks acceptable in some settings)
• Lightweight cotton blouses
• Dress shoes (for work)
• Durable jeans (for weekends, travel, or after-work
wear)
• Casual shoes (tennis or running)
• Warm coat
• Sweaters or fleece pullovers
• A few pairs of thick socks
• Bathing suit
• Long shorts
• Lightweight raincoat or poncho
Shoes
84 PEACE CORPS
to, the quality is generally quite good. Medicine and first-aid
items will be available from the Peace Corps medical office
once you are sworn in as a Volunteer. The office will also
supply feminine hygiene products if they are not available for
purchase at your site, but if you have special needs, please
bring a three-month supply.
Miscellaneous
• French press (if you appreciate good coffee)
• 10 passport-size photos in color or black-and-white
(to be used for various permits, visas, and ID cards; also
helpful for obtaining visas if you plan to travel outside
Botswana)
• Bicycle helmet (You will be able to purchase a bicycle
with your settling-in allowance if you choose to and
wearing a helmet is required. If you do not already
have a good helmet, we advise you to buy a helmet
that you like in the United States; the Peace Corps will
reimburse you up to $30. If you do not bring a helmet,
the Peace Corps will provide one, but you will not have
a choice of style or color.)
• Good sunglasses and a hat (There are about 345 sunny
days per year in Botswana; the Peace Corps will supply
all the sunscreen you need)
• Three-month supply of any prescription medicine you
take
• Electronics—cameras, CD players, etc. are available in
Botswana but are very expensive (AA and D batteries
are the most commonly available size)
Family
❒ Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Office
of Special Services at any time if there is a critical
illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone
number: 800.424.8580, extension 1470).
❒ Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front handbook to
family and friends.
Passport/Travel
❒ Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork
for the Peace Corps passport and visas.
❒ Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for
international travel.
❒ Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after
your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will
expire three months after you finish your service,
so if you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular
passport.)
Medical/Health
❒ Complete any needed dental and medical work.
❒ If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.
❒ Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all
medications (including birth control pills) you are
currently taking.
Personal Papers
❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.
Voting
❒ Register to vote in the state of your home of record.
(Many state universities consider voting and payment
of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)
❒ Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you
overseas.
❒ Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you
overseas.
Personal Effects
❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from
the time you leave your home for service overseas until
the time you complete your service and return to the
United States.
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Financial Management
❒ Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or
loan service.
❒ Execute a power of attorney for the management of
your property and business.
❒ Bring necessary banking/routing information for
deductions from readjustment allowance to pay
alimony, child support, student loans and other debts.
These deductions may be set up after swearing-in as a
Peace Corps Volunteer.
❒ Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks,
and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or
other caretaker.
For Direct/
Questions Toll-free Local
About: Staff Extension Number
Responding to Office of
an Invitation Placement
Africa
Region Ext. 1850 202.692.1850
Medical Handled by a
Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772
92 PEACE CORPS
P EAC E C O R P S
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW · Washington, DC 20526 · www.peacecorps.gov · 1-800-424-8580