17 Sep 2013

The United States of America (USA) government has funded projects at Dukwi refugee camp to the tune of over P4 million. Responding to a questionnaire from BOPA, the US Embassy public affairs officer, Ms Amanda Jacobsen said her government had funded four projects, out of which, two were in partnership with the Botswana Red Cross Society (BRCS).

She stated that one of the funded projects was a Skillshare International Youth Sports Programme through Julia Taft Refugee fund. Ms Jacobsen explained that the project used boxing and martial arts as empowerment tools to develop life skills for children and the young at Dukwi Refugee camp.

She said since sports can serve as a powerful motivation for children to stay in school, Skillshare is using discipline-focused sports such as boxing and martial arts to encourage regular school attendance. The public affairs officer said the first Skillshare programme training was conducted in July in partnership with Botswana Defence Force (BDF) and about 150 individuals participated.

Ms Jacobsen said 16 young people will be trained as coaches and the total cost of the programme is more than P190 000. She said another project is the Skillshare International Project through the Ambassador’s Self Help Fund, which she said will support the expansion of income generating sewing project for a group of tailors at the camp.

“Forty-eight individuals have benefited from this programme and the aim of the project, in which the US government provided P59 620 had been to improve basic economic and social conditions of the camp, respond to the aspirations of the local community and contribute to a sustainable income-generating activity,” she stated. She said the US government, in partnership with the BRCS has funded programmes for HIV and opportunistic infection prevention and treatment (a PEPFAR-funded clinic).

Ms Jacobsen said her government has since 2009 provided an equivalent of P4.3 million ($500 000) annually to ensure refugees who fall under the national eligibility guidelines receive treatment.
Still in partnership with BRCS, Ms Jacobsen said the US government, has funded the construction and repair of toilets facilities. She said the project was allocated P190 250 and the beneficiary participation was promoted by singed contractual agreement between BRCS and the families.

“The agreements commit families to provide labour services to the builders and this is aimed at increasing sense of ownership and appreciation of the latrines among the families,” she stated.
Dukwi refugee camp is home to 3700 refugees from Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi. Ends