24 Jul 2026

The spirit of volunteerism displayed by local host families continues to serve as a cornerstone for both national and international cooperation as well as bridge cultural divides.

This follows the recent placement of nine new Peace Corps volunteers into host families within Kanye, a crucial first step in their service journey before they deploy to assigned sites across Botswana.

Speaking on the impact of such placements, acting director of programming and training at Peace Corps, Ms Neo Morapedi, emphasised that the generosity of local families strengthened Botswana’s long-standing relationship with international partners.

Ms Morapedi said host families did far more than provide shelter as they actively shaped the volunteers’ fundamental understanding of the Setswana language, local culture and core societal values.

“This immersive grounding creates a strong foundation that allows volunteers to navigate the country’s diverse cultural landscape respectfully and effectively,” she said.

She noted that while undergoing training, volunteers learned community norms, social dynamics and everyday expectations.

“This early exposure is vital, helping the American volunteers interact constructively, adapt quickly and collaborate meaningfully with their future communities,” she added.

Given Kanye’s dynamic environment, characterised by a bustling layout and a high volume of daily activities, the village offers a perfect practical preview for the volunteers.

Ms Morapedi encouraged host families and community partners to continue guiding the volunteers on situational awareness, safety, emergency responses and navigating life in larger villages.

Furthermore, she appreciated Kanye’s leadership and community for their unwavering and foundational support.

She highlighted that the community contributed significantly to the national HIV/AIDS response by empowering volunteers to truly grasp the cultural and social context of Botswana.

Echoing the same sentiments of mutual respect, Kgosi Kwelagobe Mookodi said the decades-long relationship between Botswana and the Peace Corps as well as sustained presence of the organisation, reflected government’s ongoing satisfaction with their assignments.

Kgosi Mookodi also shared the rich heritage of the area and informed volunteers that the Kanye community had been historically blessed with a legacy of visionary leaders, including the late Bathoeng I, Seepapitso III, Bathoeng II, Seepapitso IV and the current paramount chief, Kgosi Malope II. ENDS