The event was almost entirely student lead, with a bit of help from me ;) They really did a great job tho. I almost thought it wasn't going to work out with an hour to go before the event and almost nothing was ready lol But I learned a valuable lesson that day, bc with African timing, the people who were suppose to be there 2 hours before start time showed up 30 min before. And after an hour past the scheduled start time everything was up and running! I was like "Okay, it's a little more of stretch than Hawaii time, but I get this." Haha
The event consisted of a debate on the importance of culture for the future development as a country, outstanding topic! They really love debates here in Botswana.
We also had some cultural dances which were done by the students as well, and it was adorable and all educational for me.
Last was the beauty contest. Not really aware of this till it happened. Not to mention I was asked to judge for both the debate and beauty contest. So yah, beauty contest are HUGE here as I'm learning. I myself am not to fond of them as I believe they contribute to the objectification of women :/
Anyways, another Peace Corp Volunteer and I came up with some ideas to put a twist and more positive approach to the contest. So we asked them to perform something from their culture, since it was a cultural event lol The last addition was the judges asked them several different questions in Setswana and then marked by their responses.
All in all, it was a great turn out. There was a little over a hundred, mostly children. And we managed to raise 252 Pula, which is a little less than $30 USD. Not sure how we're going to use the money for the OVCs yet. One of the students mentioned organizing a party for them, so we will just have to wait and see!
Here's some pics from the event:
President of PACT Club
The Judges! I'm repping the kukui nut shell lei and a t-shirt that says "Aloha"... I Should have brought a real Aloha Shirt :/
Debate time
the audience
Dances
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