Jonathan Cohen, University of Vermont
After four transect days at Mopane camp in NG34, the students of Round River’s Botswana program were well accustomed to the daily routine: wake up at 5:00 am, shovel down some oats, head out for transect, and try to stay awake for the rest of the day. Understandably so, we were ecstatic when presented with an opportunity to directly interact with the community. For the past few days, we had been painting new trash bins with the Round River logo for the community of Sankoyo. Now, it was time for our hard work to come to fruition. We made the hour-long drive from camp to the village, arriving in the late afternoon. Holes were dug, cement was mixed, and snacks were consumed (and stolen). In the end, the three bins were installed in key locations around the community center.
Instructors Pedro and Dix, and escort guide Kells putting the finishing touches on one of the bins
Our day in Sankoyo was only getting started. After the bins were installed, the group traveled down the street for a banging cultural event filled with Bayei (local tribe of Sankoyo) games, songs, and dances. Traditional games stirred up fierce rivalries between us. Helena and Arryn became locked in a heated match of a game similar to mancala. Students got the chance to boogie in a lively dance circle. A Bayei elder also showed us how to make traditional snares for hunting different size prey: small mammals, large mammals, and birds. Although illegal now, indigenous hunting practices were commonplace before the enactment of wildlife conservation-based policies.
Students Arryn and Helena, instructors SB and Dix, and Sankoyo residents play an exciting Bayei game
We ended the event by stocking up on beautiful, hand-woven baskets made by residents of Sankoyo. The group then journeyed to instructor Dix’s house to refill our water supply. However, what was initially meant to be a quick pit stop turned into a tour of his expansive garden. When it was finally time to return to camp for the night, we said goodbye to Dix’s dog Bagheera and loaded up the cars. The combination of low visibility and unclear roads on the drive back set us up for disaster. I was in the car with instructors Domini and Pedro, as well as student Arryn when the car suddenly lurched forward. In almost slow motion, we had driven into a ditch around a meter deep. Getting out independently quickly proved not to be a viable option, so a tow rope was attached. After some trial and error, Pedro was able to pull the car out. The rest of the ride was uneventful, but we did not arrive back at camp until past 9:30. At this point, everyone was exhausted, so we were stoked when we returned to dinner waiting on the stove. Students Ula and Helena came in clutch and cooked up some russians (delectable Botswana sausages) with noodles. After scarfing down dinner, we all got some much needed rest to prepare us for the following day.
Car stuck in a ditch 🙁
This community day definitely brought the group closer together, and we are looking forward to our next concession in Kaziikini.
Group picture at Mopane camp, NG34