Health Extension Volunteer

About the project

Picture yourself walking home from work with your colleagues against Botswana sunsets, changing colors every minute as the rays hit the dust from kids playing cultural games in the middle of the dusty road. You could be discussing health matters with the community as you line up at the local water point, they call them standpipes; the laughter as one community member shyly asks what she terms a silly question only to find that more than half are eager to hear the answer. You hear, “wena o Motswana” as the community is impressed by your self-introduction in the local language. Peace Corps Botswana prides itself on hosting the caliber of Volunteers who are outgoing, integrated, and willing to be part of the communities to experience the same lives as those they serve.

The Peace Corps partners with the Government of Botswana to address some of the most pressing needs in country. Botswana has made significant achievements in previous years through its strong health care programs; however, it is important to maintain these gains. The Government of Botswana is committed to revitalizing primary health care, changing mindsets and ensuring individual and community-centered approaches to empowering individuals, families, and communities. In Botswana, 60% of the population is considered youth, and keeping them healthy is essential. Peace Corps Botswana’s HIV/AIDS and Youth Health and Well-being Project is designed to support youth in Botswana to effectively lead healthy, HIV-free lives by 2030. Community and Youth Health Educator Volunteers will work with the community healthcare workers, community-based and non-governmental organizations to address three major objectives.

1. Increase the knowledge and skills of youth to improve their health and remain HIV-free.

2. Improve treatment adherence and general health and well-being for youth and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS.

3. Strengthen facility and community primary health care for effective youth-friendly services.

As a Community and Youth Health Educator Volunteer working at the community level, you will work with a health clinic, health post, or with a non-government organizations (NGO)/community-based organization (CBO) on their primary health care program and interventions and promoting treatment adherence and testing among young people living with HIV. You will work with youth in school and out-of- school to promote healthy lifestyles through various interventions, such as education and raising awareness on sexual reproductive health services and life skills. You will work with the Health Education Assistant or Community Health Worker to educate the community and ensure youth friendly services are available. You may work with an NGO/CBO and their project officer, community mobilizer or the community health worker to carry out community education, mobilization, and referrals to a clinic for young people needing those services.

Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Botswana project page.