In this interview, we hear from Caitlin Homstad. Caitlin (or Warona in Setswana) is a Peace Corps Community Economic Development (CED) Response Volunteer in Botswana. What Caitlin shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers conduct. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Caitlin talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Caitlin’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
Can you tell us more about serving as a CED Response Volunteer in Botswana?
Community Economic Development consists of six buckets: (1) digital literacy, (2) entrepreneurship, (3) organizational needs assessment & action planning, (4) personal money management, (5) project design and management, and (6) small-scale economic activities. The applicability of these buckets depends on the community’s needs and infrastructure.
For the first month at site, I co-facilitated (alongside my counterpart) a needs assessment in which quantitative and qualitative data was collected through various methods. The assessment focused on the six buckets but information (not directly related) to the buckets was also encouraged and collected.
I am placed within the Village Development Committee (VDC) and Social & Community Development Office (S&CD) and have a counterpart from both bodies. The VDC is responsible for all village development matters and coordinates all village institutions’ activities while the S&CD works to connect the community to government services. Both bodies serve the community at a grassroots level, and it is my experience that these members are well respected. As a PC Response volunteer, I work alongside and within both bodies and through this, serve the community.
No two days are the same, both pros and cons of being a volunteer. As someone who appreciates structure, it is up to you to create that based on the environment, your counterpart(s), and the needs of the community. It is also important to understand that you are technically always working (24/7) and that even fetching water, cleaning your home, running errands, bathing, etc. all count as work. So, please be kind to yourself and try to go with the flow.
A typical week may look like this:
- Monday – 8 am-1 pm in the office at the VDC (touch base with VDC members and S&CD Officers and be in a visible spot for community members); 1 pm-3 pm (at home working online).
- Tuesday – 9 am-11 am (various meetings: VDC monthly meeting, kgotla meeting, Village Extension Team (VET), various committee meetings); 11 am-2 pm in the office at the VDC
- Wednesday – Heading to the District Office to meet with various people alongside my S&CD counterpart.
- Thursday – 8 am-1 pm in the office at the VDC (touch base with VDC members and S&CD Officers and be in a visible spot for community members); 1 pm-3 pm (at home working online).
- Friday – Heading to a masimo (farm) with the Crops and Agriculture Officer to shadow best practices and interact with community members or to the dikoko (chicken farm) to assist with processing.
- Saturday – Heading to the nearest town for banking and grocery shopping.
- Sunday – Laundry, cleaning, and relaxing. Reset for the week ahead.
What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Botswana?
I applied to the Civil Society Organization CED/Health volunteer position in Botswana in 2020. I completed the interview and recommendations and was waiting to hear the result when COVID-19 hit. Fast forward three years and I came across the Economic Strengthening Specialist opportunity for Peace Corps Response.
The opportunity came at the perfect time as I had just graduated with a master’s degree in international development and management, gained practical experience through various internships, and was looking to build upon my experience in Southern Africa and apply what I learned in the classroom on the ground.
The Peace Corps programs in Botswana have heavily focused on HIV/AIDs and now the Government of Botswana is expanding its priorities towards economic strengthening. As someone who has a public health background in addition to various economic experiences, Botswana offered the opportunity to work in both sectors (economic development and health).
A huge shout-out goes to my younger sister who is a RPCV who served as an Agroforestry Volunteer in Guinea. She was the original inspiration who encouraged me to apply in 2020 and that motivation and spark remain steadfast through today.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
Tell us more about your home situation:
I want to preface this by saying I am extremely blessed with my home situation. I live in a family compound in the center of the village. The compound is gated and consists of two living structures, a storage room, an outdoor toilet, and two mud huts. I occupy one of the living structures, which consists of two separate rooms that encompass the bedroom and bathroom and the sitting room and kitchen. I am lucky to have running water in both the bathroom and kitchen as this is not always a guarantee.
The other living structure is home to my host family, which consists of my Mma. and Rra. (Mrs. and Mr. in Setswana). I should also note that the compound is home to a cat, an older dog, and a puppy who keep me company and are a great source for stress relief.
The community I am serving is rural. It is about 10km away from the junction and transport is inconsistent. The nearest major town is a little over an hour away and that is where I conduct my banking and grocery shopping. There are a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods available and multiple tuck shops where people sell everyday items, but it is limited.
I can exercise and have started a walking/running group with some women in the community. We stick to the single tarred road that leads to the junction as it is the safest space to exercise. I was going to continue trail running in the bush however a run-in with a puff adder has put that on pause and many community members say it is not safe due to animals and remoteness.
Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had with community members?
Every day brings memorable experiences and interactions. The community is very gracious, and the people are very kind and welcoming. Within the first week I was at site I had attended a wedding, a funeral, church (at one of the many churches in the community), and a kgotla meeting (an official community meeting) as my counterpart encouraged me to learn more about the community I am working alongside.
Within a twelve-minute walk from home to the office, I exchange greetings with at least ten people and that is just going, it is even more on the return. When I am heading out to exercise for the day, the children in the neighboring compounds cheer me on and wave.
I will say that one of the most memorable experiences with community members was the surprise braai my counterpart and friends threw for my 30th birthday. They all contributed money, and one went to town to get supplies. It was a very nice Sunday and I look back on that thoughtfulness with immense thanks as it can be challenging to celebrate milestones and holidays alone.
Surprises and Challenges
What has surprised you most about CED challenges in Botswana?
Botswana and the United States, despite their vast differences in size, socio-economic contexts, and cultural contexts face some similar CED challenges. These challenges often revolve around issues such as:
Economic Disparities: Both countries experience significant economic disparities within their populations. In Botswana, there is a notable contrast between urban and rural areas, with rural communities often facing higher poverty rates and less access to economic opportunities. Similarly, in the United States, economic inequality manifests in stark contrasts between affluent and impoverished communities, urban and rural areas, and various socio-economic groups.
Access to Education and Skills Training: Access to quality education and vocational training is a critical factor for economic development in both Botswana and the United States. In Botswana, educational disparities exist, particularly in rural areas where schools may be under-resourced. In the United States, there are significant gaps in educational quality and accessibility, particularly in underfunded urban and rural school districts.
Infrastructure Development: Both nations face challenges in developing and maintaining infrastructure that supports economic growth. Botswana’s rural areas often lack adequate transportation, communication, and utility infrastructure, hindering economic activities. In the United States, while infrastructure is generally more advanced, there are still significant issues with aging infrastructure and disparities in infrastructure quality between different regions.
Job Creation and Employment: Ensuring sufficient job opportunities for their populations is a common challenge. In Botswana, the formal sector is limited, and many people rely on subsistence agriculture or informal employment. Additionally, according to the Labour Market Observatory Botswana, the unemployment rate is 25.4% as of 2022. I have also heard from various Batswana that it takes an average of 5 to 6 years to find a job post graduating with a bachelor’s degree. The United States also grapples with unemployment and underemployment in certain sectors, as well as the need to create sustainable, high-quality jobs.
What challenges did you face while working on CED projects with community members?
Working on community economic development projects with community members presented several challenges:
Differences in Relationship with Time: Navigating differing perceptions of time and deadlines is often challenging. While some community members value a flexible approach, others (such as myself) adhere strictly to schedules, causing occasional friction and the need for adaptive planning.
Prioritizing Fairness: Ensuring fairness in project distribution and resource allocation is paramount but complex. Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders requires careful negotiation and transparent decision-making processes. In all meeting forums, everyone has a right to speak.
Navigating Hierarchies: Respecting and understanding the established social and organizational hierarchies within the community is crucial. Adapting to local leadership structures and gaining the trust of key figures often takes time and sensitivity to cultural norms. Identifying the stakeholders and people who you need to gain approval from is an important step in the introduction phase of project development, planning, and management.
These challenges require flexibility, cultural awareness, and effective communication to successfully implement development initiatives.
Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
As a Response Volunteer, your time is limited compared to the 27-month volunteers. Response positions typically range between 6 months and a year. With this in mind, it is important to prioritize the CED mandate. However, it is very common for volunteers to have secondary and even tertiary projects.
Upon arriving at site, a Village Extension Team (VET) meeting was called where I was able to interact and learn from all the department heads in the community. Even though my counterparts are VDC and S&CD, I work alongside the Crops and Agriculture Officer, the Primary School, Tribal Administration, and the Health Post.
Upgrading and outfitting the Health Post is one of the top community priorities so we are working to raise funds to connect their consultation room to electricity and add furniture and a table to make the space more welcoming. The Health Post is currently congested, and the preparation of this extra space is key to serving the community more efficiently and comfortably. It will also serve as a safe space for people to seek services and support.
Advice and Support
What advice would you give to someone considering serving as a CED Response Volunteer in Botswana?
If you are reading this awesome blog, then your interest has already peaked. From the volunteers, I have spoken to in Botswana (both Response and PCVs) as well as volunteers who have served in other countries, people who serve in the Peace Corps are self-selecting to begin with. It takes a special person to take the leap. My best advice is the lean into that interest if your situation allows and give time to read the position description and picture yourself living and working in a different country.
Additionally, I connected with current and past PCVs both Response and 27-month volunteers on Linkedin, Facebook, and Reddit. Speaking to them helped create a fuller picture of the potential opportunity.
With regards to Botswana specifically, it is a beautiful country characterized by peace. Compared to other Peace Corps countries, it appears Botswana is referred to as ‘Posh Corps’ in that there is a higher chance you will have electricity, running water, and WiFi or some combination of these with varying consistency.
What skills or qualities do you think are most important for a CED Volunteer?
Being a Peace Corps Community Economic Development (CED) Response Volunteer requires a blend of skills and personal qualities to effectively support and promote sustainable economic growth in the communities they serve. Response volunteers are typically professionals and/or RPCVs with advanced degrees and specialized certifications. Please refer to the position description to see the specific experience required.
The skills and qualities that come to mind for a CED Response Volunteer include but are not limited to:
SKILLS
- Business Development: Knowledge of business planning, financial management, and entrepreneurship.
- Economic Analysis: Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research and practice/teach practical math (i.e. record keeping, personal money management)
- Project Management: Skills in planning, executing, and monitoring projects.
- Training and Facilitation: Experience in conducting workshops, training sessions, and educational programs.
- Grant Writing and Fundraising: Ability to write proposals and secure funding. Please note a Peace Corps volunteer is supposed to transfer skills and encourage mindset change. There are very strict guidelines for fundraising, and one should defer to the training and the manager of grants and funding at Peace Corps Botswana.
- Marketing and Sales: Skills in creating marketing strategies, improving product sales, and enhancing market access.
QUALITIES
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for and understanding of cultural differences, and the ability to adapt to new cultural environments.
- Patience and Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and deal with setbacks with resilience and creativity.
- Strong Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with community members, stakeholders, and local organizations. Some level of local language learning is required.
- Empathy and Compassion: Genuine care for the well-being of the community and a commitment to making a positive impact and “do no harm”.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to local economic challenges.
- Self-motivation and Initiative: Proactive in identifying needs and opportunities within the community and taking the initiative to address them.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with community members, local organizations, and other volunteers.
Above all, I would say be prepared to take everything you know (both lived experience and education) and throw it out the window. Not saying the knowledge you have before serving is useless but it is difficult to prepare for the unknown until you are on the ground and directly interacting with the community. What you consider efficient and the “right way” of doing something where you are coming from may not be applicable in the community you are serving. Entering service with as little expectation and bias (as possible) will help you adjust and adapt and manage your expectations while serving.
How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
As a Response Volunteer, training is different from a 27-month volunteer. I am part of the second Response cohort here in Botswana and the Botswana Peace Corps staff is very open to feedback as they are continually adjusting the training for Response.
Upon arrival in the country, we spent five days in a hotel in Gaborone. Training mostly consisted of banking, phone setup, safety briefings, and health briefings. From there we moved to Ramotswa, just outside of Gaborone, where we were staying with host families. The three weeks in Ramotswa consisted of safety and health briefings, program training, M&E training, cultural briefings, and language training.
According to Botswana Peace Corps staff, 27-month volunteers receive 3 months of language training while Response volunteers receive 3 weeks. After we were sworn in, we were sent to our respective sites where we will serve for the remaining eleven months.
After two months at site, we had a Peace Corps Reconnect in Maun where we discussed our Community Assessments, continued with reporting and VRG training, and caught up with each other and Peace Corps staff. I believe this is supposed to function as an IST (in-service training). This was the first time Botswana Peace Corps has done this and it was appreciated as I believe this will be it until we COS at the end of February 2025.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Response volunteer in Botswana?
As someone who is obsessed with looking at packing lists, especially Peace Corps lists, I have been keeping an ongoing list of useful items for Botswana volunteers. I am confident this list may be transferrable to other countries, but it is based on my experience and the experience of my peers who are based in Botswana. This list builds upon the list Peace Corps provides. Pay attention to the clothing recommendations when packing.
- Smartphone without sim lock (aka a phone capable of WhatsApp)
- Back up batteries (both for phone and or laptop)
- Headlight/flashlight – for safety and for when the power goes out. I have both a headlight and a solar charge Luci light. Both have come in handy when the power goes out.
- 2 passport photos (no smile)
- Extra bag for supplies given by Peace Corps (medical kit, water filter, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle – people have ones with filters in them, but a Nalgene will suffice if you only fill it with filtered water.
- Adaptor and converter (Type G and Type M)
- French press and coffee – coffee drinking is not common here and thus it is difficult to find coffee-making supplies. Additionally, most of the coffee is instant.
- Kindle – preferably loaded with books and or connected to your local library for digital downloads.
- Small umbrella – travel size, SPF protection ideally. The sun is very strong here and you will need it when summer comes.
- Electrolytes (Nuun, etc.) – Peace Corps will give you ORS, but everyday electrolytes are expensive to buy from the pharmacy
- Leatherman – or another handy tool
- Ice packs – you can put them in your freezer for when it gets hot. I have not seen ice packs here for sale.
- Chocolate chips – if you are a baker and/or love chocolate chips, bring bags of them. They are an extremely rare find.
This is a live list and is continually being added to as information is collected. People can feel free to reach out to me should they need additional information or advice on this front.
How has learning the language been?
As stated previously, Response volunteers receive three weeks of language learning. I was taught Setswana by the two lovely Language and Culture Coordinators at Peace Corps Botswana. I would say that by the time we left for our sites, I was probably at advanced beginner/beginner-intermediate. We are encouraged to find tutors within our communities, but that is not always straightforward. I do not have a tutor and my language learning has somewhat stagnated.
As a Response volunteer, language learning is not per se the priority as you are here for a limited time and for a specific purpose. Most of the people I interact with speak limited English and feel more comfortable communicating in Setswana. People who are my age or younger communicate in English and Setswana with me. I try my best to pick up on everyday Setswana and continue the conversation in Setswana if someone opens with Setswana and will speak English if someone opens in English.
It goes a long way in speaking the language of the people you are working alongside and aids in community integration. At the same time, don’t beat yourself up about it as it is just one facet of the entire experience, and language learning can be quite taxing.
There is a plethora of resources available for Setswana that I found online before service. I spent some of my free time learning the basics and listening to Setswana being spoken. I would not stress about this as your language skills will ramp up once you are in the country and receiving language instruction.
It is also important to note that depending on where you are based, you may have to learn another language. I am also learning the basics of Kalanga as there is a large Kalanga-speaking population in the community. Other volunteers are learning Hambukushu, Shekgalagari, and others (in addition to Setswana).
Links to Setswana Learning:
- Peace Corps/ Botswana – An Introduction to the Setswana Language
- Peace Corps – Setswana Langauge Lessons (YouTube)
Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
How do you think a blog or YouTube channel contributes to the overall mission as a Peace Corps volunteer?
I do not have a social media account specifically made for my Peace Corps service. However, I do post photos and stories on my personal Instagram account. I also write in my one-line-a-day journal, which helps me process my day-to-day experiences and provides an outlet for me to look back on the progress (or lack thereof) made.
I know various volunteers who are using social media to share their experiences and support people who aspire to do the same. I will say that your individual experience is unique and that regardless of sharing it on social media or not, your decision should be respected. Additionally, you receive media training during pre-service training, which is something that should be taken seriously. Exercising common sense and asking for consent before taking photos (especially of people) is important as well as the narrative one communicates.
Any last comments or observations you’d like to pass on to future Botswana volunteers?
If you are thinking about doing Peace Corps, DO IT! If does not fit your current timeline and situation in the present, you can always serve at another time. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by peers with immense experience and our age range varies (30 – 65 years of age).
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Government of Botswana.
