So have you heard the one about the tortoise, the hare, and the Motswana? The Motswana came in last, not because he didn’t try, but because he was too busy enjoying his tea break. The Batswana approach to everyday life is an MBA’s nightmare. While the Batswana are as friendly as can be (especially our favorite driver, Father Ben), we have learned quickly that in order to survive this trip, we need to settle back and roll with the slow moving punches, much to Yum Yum Sunset’s discontent. TIA, Team Botswana, TIA!!!
Our first meeting this morning was extremely productive. We were finallly able to hear, first-hand, both Bishop Mwamba's and his taskforce’s goals and vision for the international schools. Although there seemed to be some disconnect among members of their Taskforce, we had a thorough discussion and agreed on an ideology that incorporated their goals, our goals, and the goals that we expect from potential investors. Much to our delight, the conclusion was that the international schools will serve students across the socio-economic range – from the well-off to those of more modest/underpriveledged backgrounds. By serving the educational needs of Batswana from diverse demographics, the schools will be able to achieve their core goal: bringing Botswana to a higher moral, educational, and global standard. We concluded this meeting was a delightful traditional Botswana meal that some of us washed down with a nice can of Iron Brew (think: Cherry Coke on steroids).
In the afternoon, we visited Westwood International School where we gathered invaluable information from the headmaster regarding school operations, compensation system, structure, and recruitment. The facilities at Westwood are marvelous. While we find ourselves ingrained with the Anglican Church and these top notch facilities, we do feel that we are living in a Botswana bubble. We have not yet seen the poverty that we know exists in an African nation such as Botswana…perhaps on our way to Francistown next week? Francistown is smaller city not far from here and the site of the proposed school.
Well that is about all for today boys and girls…next time on MSB Botswana Project: “Hippos; are they really man’s new best friend?”
Our first meeting this morning was extremely productive. We were finallly able to hear, first-hand, both Bishop Mwamba's and his taskforce’s goals and vision for the international schools. Although there seemed to be some disconnect among members of their Taskforce, we had a thorough discussion and agreed on an ideology that incorporated their goals, our goals, and the goals that we expect from potential investors. Much to our delight, the conclusion was that the international schools will serve students across the socio-economic range – from the well-off to those of more modest/underpriveledged backgrounds. By serving the educational needs of Batswana from diverse demographics, the schools will be able to achieve their core goal: bringing Botswana to a higher moral, educational, and global standard. We concluded this meeting was a delightful traditional Botswana meal that some of us washed down with a nice can of Iron Brew (think: Cherry Coke on steroids).
In the afternoon, we visited Westwood International School where we gathered invaluable information from the headmaster regarding school operations, compensation system, structure, and recruitment. The facilities at Westwood are marvelous. While we find ourselves ingrained with the Anglican Church and these top notch facilities, we do feel that we are living in a Botswana bubble. We have not yet seen the poverty that we know exists in an African nation such as Botswana…perhaps on our way to Francistown next week? Francistown is smaller city not far from here and the site of the proposed school.
Well that is about all for today boys and girls…next time on MSB Botswana Project: “Hippos; are they really man’s new best friend?”
1 comment:
Love the blog! Very cool site!!! Definitely a most worthwhile project!!! Look forward to checking back to see how you are progressing! Have a wonderful time!!
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