Botswana cont. - Seeing where the Sr worked
Life is speeding along fast, with more celebrations, insights and awareness that I wish to share. Firstly though, I must finish writing about my time in Botswana. Two more post to go ;o)
Near the end of my time with the Sisters, I got to visit the preschool that was formed by the Sisters to cater to the children whose parents were living and coming to terms with, the illness of HIV. Setting up a safe supportive environment for them to come each day, be it lay on the ground, or interact, the people gathered together forming a community to share their journeys together. The children also came with no available care offered, this is where a need was seen and implemented a solution in the form of a school.
Walking into the gates, there is a peaceful calm sense that happiness is just around the corner. Children laughing and running around; on the day we visited they were having egg and spoon races. Wrapped up warmly in their uniforms, eagerly willing to learn, have fun and just be. Their innocence is a treasure and beauty that shines from them.
The buildings are constructed around the courtyard, offering both classrooms, hall which doubles as dinning area, toilet facilities, adventure playgroup, nursery like area and office room. The classrooms have art display on the walls, alphabet on the board and children receiving a solid foundation to build upon when they are ready to enter into the state system.
There are two teachers per class, which is a wonderful supportive way to set the classroom environment - something our education system could learn from, especially in this time where social support is needed for the parents.
Today the project is run by Sister Angela, and is under the diocesan umbrella.
After leaving the school Sr Angela and Sr Botshelo took me to see where the old convent use to be. It is in the same location as the preschool, with the local catholic church attached. Today it is a preschool also with two class of young ones, and two teachers. We talked to one of the teachers who was a refugee from Zambia, her husband was in the army and they left the country with their two small children to set up a brighter future for them. A young women with a kind soul whose I would say has witness and been through a lot. They were very inviting and welcoming.
These buildings were the bedrooms. 
This is church, the sitting where Sr gathered in the Sunday before / after Mass.
Traditional style buildings, one the Chapel other was the recreational room.
Another view of the Church.
Visiting here it was evident this was a place of history which holds fond memories for the Sisters. On arriving back to the house I heard stories of events and traditions that took place during their time living there. It was a delight to be able to see and experience first hand.
Near the end of my time with the Sisters, I got to visit the preschool that was formed by the Sisters to cater to the children whose parents were living and coming to terms with, the illness of HIV. Setting up a safe supportive environment for them to come each day, be it lay on the ground, or interact, the people gathered together forming a community to share their journeys together. The children also came with no available care offered, this is where a need was seen and implemented a solution in the form of a school.
Walking into the gates, there is a peaceful calm sense that happiness is just around the corner. Children laughing and running around; on the day we visited they were having egg and spoon races. Wrapped up warmly in their uniforms, eagerly willing to learn, have fun and just be. Their innocence is a treasure and beauty that shines from them.
The buildings are constructed around the courtyard, offering both classrooms, hall which doubles as dinning area, toilet facilities, adventure playgroup, nursery like area and office room. The classrooms have art display on the walls, alphabet on the board and children receiving a solid foundation to build upon when they are ready to enter into the state system.There are two teachers per class, which is a wonderful supportive way to set the classroom environment - something our education system could learn from, especially in this time where social support is needed for the parents.
Today the project is run by Sister Angela, and is under the diocesan umbrella.
After leaving the school Sr Angela and Sr Botshelo took me to see where the old convent use to be. It is in the same location as the preschool, with the local catholic church attached. Today it is a preschool also with two class of young ones, and two teachers. We talked to one of the teachers who was a refugee from Zambia, her husband was in the army and they left the country with their two small children to set up a brighter future for them. A young women with a kind soul whose I would say has witness and been through a lot. They were very inviting and welcoming.
These buildings were the bedrooms. 
This is church, the sitting where Sr gathered in the Sunday before / after Mass.
Traditional style buildings, one the Chapel other was the recreational room.
Another view of the Church.Visiting here it was evident this was a place of history which holds fond memories for the Sisters. On arriving back to the house I heard stories of events and traditions that took place during their time living there. It was a delight to be able to see and experience first hand.
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