16 Oct 2013

The former vice president, Lt Gen. Mompati Merafhe on October 15 welcomed 58 American Peace Corps and wished them a fruitful stay in Botswana.

Addressing the Peace Corps during a swearing in ceremony at the end of a 10-day orientation workshop in Serowe, Lt Gen. Merafhe said, “Ii is a privilege for the Bangwato tribe to have played a role as your hosts when you first came to Botswana. Your stay here has been characterized by mutual collaboration and friendship on both sides. It takes two people, a good host and a good guest, to forge a successful partnership”.

He said the swearing in ceremony was proof that the Peace Corps had satisfied all the requirements and further expressed hope that they had been exposed to the basic cultural norms and values of Batswana through their foster family arrangements.

He applauded the US Peace Corps for being active in Botswana and thanked the Americans for helping Botswana tackle issues of HIV/AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse. Lt Gen. Merafhe also pleaded with the Peace Corps to work closely with the youth to help them change their behaviour.

The 58 US Peace Corps arrived in Botswana on August 13. They were the 14th group of volunteers to arrive in the country. From the lot, 19 would be assigned to teach life skills in schools, 16 in clinics and district health teams, 12 in district AIDS coordination offices while the other 12 will be assigned to NGOs.

The current group of Peace Corps will strengthen implementation of the Botswana National Strategic Framework II to address HIV/AIDS. The Peace Corps will be assigned on a two year program in areas like Rakops, Mochudi, Bobonong, Gabane, Tshesebe, Hukuntsi, Kachikau and D’kar.

Also speaking at the swearing in ceremony, NACA Deputy Coordinator Mr Fraser Tlhoiwe said the Peace Corps project is aimed at strengthening the capacity of individuals, service providers, organizations and communities to mitigate the effects of HIV/AIDS through behavior change, preventive services and care delivery.

“It was observed that the Peace Corps are equally important to various public sectors, particularly NGOs as they also complement government efforts. The attachment of these volunteers in NGOs will facilitate active community involvement and participation in HIV/AIDS,” said Mr Thloiwe.

He further revealed that the government of Botswana will provide the volunteers with modesty furnished accommodation, water, and electricity and subsistence allowances. Ends