Camphill Community, Botswana
One of the highlights of our Botswana visit was a trip to the Camphill Community located in the village of Otse, about 30 miles south of the capitol city of Gabarone. Established in 1974, this school serves youth with disabilities with a comprehensive curriculum adapted from government standards and based on respect for the land and local culture. Many of the 160 students live on campus and go home only every second weekend and during the holidays. Camphill programs include Ronkoromane primary school, Motse Wa Badiri vocational training program, and a large organic farm that includes orchards, market gardens, livestock, poultry and plant propagation. The campus also operates a restaurant, garden shop and conference center where students learn work skills.
We had the opportunity to talk with the Headmaster and secondary school Principal who described the Motse Wa Badiri curriculum for secondary students that includes courses, in-school work experience and community work placements culminating in a final job placement in their home village after graduation Motse Wa Badir means “village of workers” and they are clearly living out their vision to offer a world of dignity, respect, choice and community inclusion for every person.
