Image: @PeaceCorps via Twitter
This post is inspired by my sister via Instagram, on the role of Peace Corps in Botswana.
From the onset it’s important to state my position when it comes to the Peace Corps’ problematic “aid”. Like many aids, contrary to popular belief, I think it benefits the giving country more. In this instance the USA.
Without a doubt, Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) have been instrumental in the development of Botswana. From 1966, PCVs have worked as “teachers, health specialists, city and infrastructure planners and agriculture extension workers.” In 1997 Peace Corps withdrew from Botswana owing to the country reaching ‘’middle income’’ status.
I’m quite sure that there are many people to attest to how PCVs have been instrumental in their lives if not communities. I can think of schools, clinics and NGOs. We thank you.
From as early as around 1989, my family hosted PCVs annually until 1995. As you would imagine, I liked interacting with them very much. And I should state that most of my family photos were taken by PCVs. I strongly believe that from a young age, through the PCVs we hosted, I also realised that I could move and live in countries such as USA and UK, if I wanted to. Though I did realise it wasn’t like that!
In conclusion, perhaps President Mogae did that by asking for the return of Peace Corps in 2003; I think we should dictate how Botswana benefits meaningfully from Peace Corps. It is in our hands to come up with strategies that would enable our country to benefit more from Peace Corps. Remember, Peace Corps is financed by the US taxpayer, meaning it is the interests of the USA that are primarily served. It is not by coincidence that the contemporary PCVs focus is on HIV/AIDS.
Reference: ‘Peace Corps Botswana’ from U.S. Embassy in Botswana
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 