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About Botswana
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Peace Corps in Botswana
Arriving two months after Botswana's independence, Volunteers originally worked as teachers, health specialists, infrastructure planners, and agriculture extension workers. In 2003, Peace Corps returned to Botswana to support HIV/AIDS and improving schools in rural areas in collaboration with our government partners. Now through their work, Peace Corps Volunteers in Botswana support communities across the nation in three project areas:
- Health
- Education
- Community Economic Development
History of Peace Corps in Botswana
The landlocked country of Botswana, formerly known as Bechuanaland, was one of the poorest countries on the continent at the time it gained independence from Britain in 1966. In the years that followed, the nation transformed itself, with one of the fastest growing economies in the world—thanks in part to strong leadership and the discovery of diamonds. The Peace Corps entered Botswana just two months after the country gained independence and has been a dedicated partner in development since.
More than 1,800 Peace Corps Volunteers served in Botswana from 1966 to 1997, contributing to nearly every sector of the country's development—including education, health, environment, urban planning, and economics. Volunteers filled significant gaps and made singular contributions to the development of the nation. Many leaders in Botswana today have a Peace Corps connection—be it as a co-worker, teacher, or friend.
Since independence, the nation has transformed itself and has reached upper-middle-income status. In addition to economic growth over this time, the country’s per capita income grew rapidly, life expectancy at birth increased significantly, formal sector employment grew, and the nation’s infrastructure—including roads, power generation, schools, health facilities, and housing—increased dramatically. Partly due to Botswana’s remarkable economic transition, the Peace Corps withdrew from the country in 1997.
However, the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the 1980s reversed decades of development as the population fell ill in huge numbers. During the epidemic's peak in 2000, a 15-year-old had a 50% chance of dying from an AIDS-related illness and life expectancy declined by 20 years in the hardest hit areas.
In 2003, then-president Festus Mogae ramped up the nation's response to HIV, which included inviting Peace Corps to return to Botswana to support the fight against HIV/AIDS. The impact of this intense intervention has been dramatic, saving many lives. The country's response to HIV/AIDS, particularly with expecting mothers, has become a best practice for the global community.
Due to the nation’s strong response to HIV/AIDS, Botswana has passed an epidemiological tipping point milestone and reached UNAIDS targets of 95-95-95. As a result of Botswana's achievements, Peace Corps Botswana has expanded its work to address the most pressing needs of youth at each age band—education, health and economic development.
Volunteer satisfaction, health, and safety
- Annual Volunteer Survey satisfaction results [PDF]
- Health and medical care summary [PDF]
- Crime, harassment, and early termination of service [PDF]
Partners
Ministry of Health (MoH)
Through our partnership with the Ministry of Health in Botswana, Volunteers serve in health facilities throughout the country.
Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (MLGTA)
Through our partnership with MLGTA in Botswana, our Volunteers serve in local government offices, strengthening the capacity of District AIDS Coordination and Social Work and Development offices throughout the country.
Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education (MCWBE)
Through our partnership with MCWBE in Botswana, our Volunteers serve in primary schools throughout the country.
National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAPHA)
Peace Corps works in close collaboration with NAPHA, as it coordinates the nation's response to HIV.
Resources
Peace Corps service is a life-changing experience, and no two Volunteers experience their service in exactly the same way. Check out some of the links below to learn more about the work of Peace Corps and the country of Botswana.
About Botswana
Botswana Tourism Organization showcases the country's many natural wonders, diverse cultures, and provides information to travelers coming to Botswana.
For the latest in news from the Government of Botswana and in-depth information about the public sector, visit their official website.
Drink your morning coffee with the latest news from Botswana: Mmegi, The Voice, Daily News, Guardian, All Africa - Botswana.
Books about Botswana
- The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency - Alexander McCall Smith
- Saturdays are for Funerals - Unity Dow and Max Essex
- The Invisible Cure - Helen Epstein
Annual reports
Other Peace Corps Resources
Peace Corps Connect: The National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) is made up of Returned Volunteers. You can find links to all the “Friends of” groups for most countries of service.
About the U.S. Government in Botswana
Visit the homepage of the U.S. Embassy in Botswana with links to all U.S. agencies operating in Botswana, including PEPFAR and the CDC.