Embedded Files
Written by: Ayaan Taddese
April 1, 2023
Greetings!
I hope this message finds you well. Today was a truly thought-provoking day for our team. We set out for the Dukwi camp earlier than usual, arriving at 9:00 AM to the warm welcome of the friendly children we had befriended the day before.
Our primary goal was to further introduce the entrepreneurial course and deepen our connections with the refugees. To facilitate this, we organized a team building activity where we formed groups of four and drew our different cultures, ultimately finding a commonality among us. This led to engaging conversations where we learned about each other's backgrounds. One of our ninth-grade students, Leia Taubinger, remarked, "I was able to create a lifelong bond by connecting with the refugees, and I feel like I now have friends forever with the youth in Dukwi."
The artwork created by the refugees was truly stunning and unique. Using only paper and beads, they were able to create intricate and beautiful objects that showcased their exceptional creativity and skill. One of their techniques was to wrap paper around a sewing needle to create hard pieces of paper which can be crafted with other straws to create art.
Each piece of artwork was carefully crafted with great attention to detail, resulting in items that were not only beautiful to look at, but also functional and practical. From delicate paper bowls to colourful beaded bracelets, each item was a testament to the refugees' resourcefulness and ingenuity.
We were honoured to be able to offer these pieces for sale in RefugArt, and to be able to share the refugees' incredible artwork with a wider audience. It was amazing to see how much people appreciated and valued these pieces, not just for their beauty, but also for the powerful story of resilience and hope that they represented.
In the end, the art created by the refugees was a testament to the power of creativity and the human spirit. It was a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people are capable of creating something beautiful and meaningful, and that art has the power to bring people together and to build bridges across cultures and communities. We learned a lot from them.
Leaving the camp was emotional for most of us, as we had formed strong bonds with our new friends. "I had a really great time playing with everyone," said Carter Petersen after spending a long time having fun with the kids.
Also, our team recognized the importance of providing educational resources and access to technology to refugees, especially those living in camps where these resources can be limited. With this in mind, we partnered with William, Bojun, and Sander to create a STEM mindstorm lab in Dukwi. Through the generosity of our donors, we were able to donate 7 laptops and 7 windstorm kits to the refugees. The children were excited to learn and explore new things, and the program provided them with a fun and interactive way to engage with technology.
William, Bojun, and Sander led the program and taught the children how to code using the mindstorms. It was inspiring to witness the children's eagerness to learn, and their enthusiasm as they brought their creations to life was truly heartwarming. We believe that this STEM program will have a lasting impact on the refugees in Dukwi. The children not only gained access to technology but also developed new skills, gained confidence, and a sense of empowerment. We also trained the teachers on how to continue the program, ensuring that it can be sustained in the future and benefiting even more children.
We enjoyed hot dogs and chicken nuggets on the bus and had a great time socializing and having various adventures.
After lunch, we headed to Nata Senior School. While the Dukwi camp runs some educational facilities on-site, they only provide basic education up to the secondary school level. For post-secondary education, refugee students have to fend for themselves as they are not eligible for government sponsorship afforded to Botswana nationals.
Nata Secondary School is where students in grades 9-12 receive their education. As we entered a room filled with 2000 students, they welcomed us with a loud applause. Ayaan Taddese gave a warm speech about our mission and goals in Botswana. We introduced ourselves and our mission, hoping to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the school. We then had the opportunity to tour the campus, which was eye-opening for all of us. We left feeling grateful for what we have and understanding the privileges we enjoy.
While there are certainly challenges faced by the refugees, there is also much strength deeply embedded in their resilience and hope for a better future. Their commitment and resilience were inspiring, and we encourage everyone to find their own way to get involved or give back in whatever way they can. This visit has encouraged us to reflect more profoundly than ever before. We have developed greater compassion, love, awareness, and appreciation for each refugee we met. It served as a stark reminder of how fortunate many of us are. We look forward to working with and helping them in the future and would be grateful for any donations from parents.
Tomorrow we will be visiting Kasane to enjoy the wildlife in Africa. Best regards and see you tomorrow.
Page updated
Report abuse