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OSSO Botswana April 2017OSSO Botswana April 2017
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A 15-day adventure by April in Botswana Read more
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  • April in BotswanaOSSO Botswana April 2017
    111
    Day 12

    Mathiba School + Day 13

    April 19, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    Today was our introduction to primary education as we visited Mathiba Memorial Primary School, a feeder school to nearby Sedie School. We were welcomed by 60 little kids all excited about the arrival of the 'Australians'. After introductions, we broke up into groups of about 12 Mathiba kids to two Oxley students who taught them new skills of speaking in English, colouring in, theatre games, etc.

    We rotated through the morning and finished a midday at which time we walked around to Sedie School where we joined the Sedie School students for lunch.

    After lunch we visited the nearby HIV/AIDS clinic for a talk given by the nurse who explained how the Botswanan Government had introduced programmes to prevent the spread of AIDS and educate the local people.

    From the clinic we bused into the town centre and wandered around for a while (generally in and out of fast food joints!) before we returned to our campsite at Sitatunga late in the afternoon.

    Once we all returned to the camp, plus 10 Sedie students who came to spend the night with us, we were lucky to be the audience for a talk given Mike Fitt of Wilderness Safaris about the reintroduction of rhinos into the Okavango, and the progress that the program was making. It was fascinating for both Australian and Botswanan students and appreciated by all. It was very generous of Mike to give up his time to talk to us.

    After dinner the rest of the evening was taken up with practising for tomorrow's 'concert', whether it is song, dance or theatre sports. We were joined by Senatla, the Headmistress of Sedie School, as well as one of their staff. A busy day for all!!    Read more

  • April in BotswanaOSSO Botswana April 2017
    Day 13

    Maun Day 14

    April 20, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    The Sedie students, their Headmistress and another staff member, had all stayed in tents for the night and we gathered together as a group at breakfast. From there we moved into Maun in two vehicles and the first activity of the day to catch-up with our primary students of yesterday at Mathiba. More activities followed, with Oxley College 'teaching' smaller groups and a lot of fun occurred and it was sad in the end - and somewhat poignant as the kids sang a farewell to us - to leave for the secondary school later in the morning.

    After a wait at Sedie School, the group departed for a visit to a local farm, some 18 kms from Maun. Crops included maize and water melons, with cattle and sheep in evidence.

    Returning to school for lunch, we ate the packed lunch that had been provided by Sitatunga Camp. After lunch we practised for the 'concert' and also tackled some problems set in an Ethics task set by Mr Parker.

    By 3.30 enough of a crowd of Sedie staff and parents had gathered for a presentation to take place. Both groups of students sang songs - the entire Oxley party sang 'Waltzing Matilda' - and the Oxley students introduced theatre sports to Botswana, with James Rapp producing an outstanding skit. After a rendition of 'We are the world' by all those involved in the exchange the 'concert' ended with a thoughtful 'thank you' speech by Tom Lloyd and a prayer.

    Back to Sitatunga Camp by early evening where we moved into cabins for our final night. Much talk at dinner with tiredness catching up with everyone.    Read more

  • April in BotswanaOSSO Botswana April 2017
    Day 14

    Maun Day 15

    April 21, 2017 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Our last day in Botswana has finally arrived, much to our dismay, and we all packed before breakfast and then gathered in the restaurant. Leaving our bags behind to be taken to the airport later, we set off with Sei in his minibus for our last visit to Sedie School.
    We were greeted by the Sedie students and even a small group of Mathiba Primary students, all carrying trees ready for transplanting. Once everybody had arrived we walked to the nearby Sedie Community ‘tgotla’ (meeting place) where we were welcomed the local chairwoman whose speech was translated for us by a translator. Speeches from others including Mrs Senatla Moleele (Sedie Principal), Mr Parker and others followed (and plenty of group photos) before we moved to a nearby plot of land where a tree was planted. Unfortunately we had run out of time to plant any more and after several farewells we headed for our final organized event of our trip.
    Upstairs in a shop owned by the presenter, we watched a film about the life and times of the renowned wildlife cinematographer (and IMAX filmmaker), Dr Tim Liversedge. It was the story of an amazing life and there were some fantastic animal shots. Tim Liversedge had been a school friend of Peter Craig and it was a real experience to share his, and his wife June, life story. A great way to end our animal safari in Botswana!
    After that it was last minute shopping in the shops close to Maun airport before the slow process of checking a group though the airline and customs. A good flight on an Airlink plane and 1.5 hours later and we landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Joburg). Had to kill 5 hours so ate, drank, talked, debriefed and walked.

    Looking forward to seeing all parents at Sydney DOMESTIC on Saturday night meeting the Virgin Australia VA564 flight from Perth

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    We have had a great time but I think we are all ready to come home!    Read more

  • April in BotswanaOSSO Botswana April 2017
    Day 15

    Perth Airport Day 16

    April 22, 2017 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Well, we are back on Australian soil. Now awaiting our transfer to Sydney.

    I would like to acknowledge how supportive and well-mannered the Oxley students have been and it was a pleasure to take them back to my roots. I would also like thank Mrs Rani Ritchie for her enthusiastic support and we had fun together sharing our experiences with our students..Mr Michael Parker put in an inordinate amount of work to make our time at Sedie & Mathiba Schools a success and it was a pleasure to share this with him.

    And lastly I would like to thank all the parents for 'sharing' your child with us and also all those who enthusiastically followed our progress. The Oxley College students were fine ambassadors for Australia.

    Peter Craig
    April 22 2017    Read more

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