In 2018, the Haagvalken family were guests of Okavango Wilderness Safaris’ Vumbura Plains camp, where they had the opportunity to engage with the nearby community. Beetsha Primary was one of the schools they visited, and the family was inspired to support the school through our Children in the Wilderness programme.
Accordingly, they made a donation for the construction of a poultry enclosure and garbage pit at the school. In 2019, Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Botswana submitted plans to the Okavango Sub-District Council in Shakawe and towards the end of that year, the projects were given the green light. Unfortunately, with the uncertainty that COVID-19 brought, the projects were put on hold until things returned to normal, or as close as was possible.
Finally, on the 6th of February 2022, the CITW team embarked on a trip to Beetsha to kick start the poultry enclosure project, with the construction being partly completed the following day. The poultry project, which will be managed by Beetsha Primary School’s CITW-run Eco-Club members and co-ordinators. It is anticipated this will benefit the whole school, as students are taught about chicken production in Agriculture. In addition, the Adult Eco-Club in Beetsha will be assisting the Eco-Club during the school holidays.
With Beetsha being situated in a remote, rural area, residents often struggle with the supply of eggs and chicken meat. CITW Botswana is therefore optimistic that this project will not only benefit the school but also the community at large through greater food security
The next stage will be the installation of chicken cages and shade net, as well as planting combinations of vegetation, such as mother-in-law’s-tongue (Sansevieria) and marigolds. These, together, will make for an effective snake-repellent around the chicken enclosure.
This initiative is made possible by through the support of Haagvalken Family, the Ministry of Basic Education, the Okavango Sub-District Council (Shakawe), Okavango Wilderness Safaris, Beetsha Primary School management, Eco-Club Co-ordinator Mr. Lesego Sediegeng and the Parent-Teacher Association at the school. They have provided amazing support to make sure that this project is completed successfully, and with sustainable impact.