Experience local village life and help to maintain a project in Mokatse, Botswana

Details

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  Description

  Welcome to a simple getaway and retreat space in Mokatse, a village 30 km from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. Embrace the simplicity and natural beauty of our 1.4 hectares of semi-arid land, where nature is ever-present.
  
  Grey lourie’s share their unique calls, breezes gently scatter dust and leaves, barefoot steps imprint the earth, and blue skies with fluffy clouds watch from above.
  
  On this special piece of land, a variety of activities are offered:
  • Twice a year, Art at The Land art and craft exhibition
  • Opportunities to relax and rejuvenate, enjoy a wholesome vegan lunch, and simply be present
  • Workshops on diverse subjects: food, health and wellness, qigong and tai chi, animal wellness, and body, mind, heart, and spirit-oriented activities
  • Gatherings for meeting, mingling, learning, and growing
  
  Maintaining this place requires time and help, which I lack to some degree, as I am busy with my other work.
  
  Being an animal lover is essential for visitors and guests, as we share the space with dogs, cats, and local wildlife such as tortoises, snakes, and rock monitor lizards. Respect is key to maintaining harmony among all creatures.
  
  Down-to-earth and close-to-earth living is the essence of this place.
  
  A bit about me: I am Nancy, a multi-skilled individual with a love for simple living. I adore animals (hence my vegan diet), art, and martial arts. Integrity, sunrises and sunsets, gentle breezes, organic vegan chocolate, nature, and self-growth are important to me.
  I enjoy creating delicious, simple meals, painting and creating, DIY, playing with my animals, reading, binge-watching K-dramas, walking barefoot, indulging in chocolate, and living life.
  I also create healthy foods and crafty products to sell at regular monthly markets.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The place is in the village of Mokatse. You can visit the village and meet the local Batswana people. There are also a few other places close by that offer local experiences.

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  Help

  Please note that my preferred maximum stay for WorkAway participants is 2 weeks. There are exceptions, of course, but I find 1 to 2 weeks to be the ideal duration.
  
  If you are inventive, good with your hands and DIY, have a solid work ethic, and don't mind getting your hands dirty, then welcome to my place. (Also, if you prefer not to hang out too much, this might be a good fit, as I am often occupied with other projects and may not have a lot of time to spend with you. However, I will not neglect you!)
  Depending on the season and current activities, tasks may vary. Sometimes there might be only one or two tasks, so I hope you won't get bored with that! :-)
  
  Main tasks include clearing and maintenance: tree pruning, bush clearing, and simple gardening.
  
  Here is the more “serious” help:
  • Maintaining the pathways around the land
  • Painting signs for my events and just for The Land.
  • Developing a sensory/exercise area around a currently built 'maze'
  • Creating exercise obstacles with available materials
  • Creating shaded areas (laying simple brick flooring and shade netting)
  • Constructing swales for water catchment (mostly during the rainy season, spring and summer, as the ground is hard to dig otherwise)
  • Clearing and flattening the dirt access road
  • Building a wood-fired oven using local clay (likely in the future when I can assist)
  • Creating a small water catchment/pond/pool (during spring and summer when the ground is not too hard)
  • Installing gutters on the roof to collect rainwater (likely in the future when I can assist)
  • Building a high platform/hideaway (likely in the future when I can assist)
  • ...and anything else that pops up!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am always up to improving my French:-) And I am also learning Korean (beginner), so would love to practice with someone...!
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  Accommodation

  There are two standalone rooms available next to the Hall, where guests come for their retreat and activities. Both rooms have two beds and some other furniture.
  
  Electricity is available in the rooms, and a tap is located just outside, near the outdoor kitchen/washing area. A pit/composting toilet and a simple washroom are also nearby. The washroom uses a bucket system: heat your water in a bucket and splash away the dirt to your heart's content. (That's how I wash too, so no showers here to waste water!) However, there is a hosepipe if you prefer a cold wash.
  
  The larger room has an electric stove for cooking. This is a shared kitchen. I won't cook for you (unless we share a few meals together), so I'll provide ingredients like rice, lentils, veggies, and fruits for you to prepare your own meals. Please note that this is a vegan space, so if you buy your own food, keep it vegan. Let's maintain this space as kind to all beings as possible.
  
  In addition to being a vegan space, it is also a no smoking, no drinking, and no drugs space. Silliness and playfulness are allowed! :-)
  
  Accommodation might seem really simple, especially regarding the toilet and washing facilities. However, this is an opportunity to respect the water you use. Heating your water (if needed) and washing from a pail brings you closer to nature and helps you appreciate how special and precious water really is. (Well, that's what I think!)

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  What else ...

  For travel to Gaborone (30 km away), there are local combis (minivans used as transport) and taxis (which cost around BWP 200 one way). I can also give you a lift when I go there once a week. Hitchhiking is safe (though always be aware wherever you go) and usually quite easy.
  
  The closest major shopping area is 15 km (15-20 minutes) away by car at Phakalane, and I pass there every Thursday. There is a very basic shop with essentials like flour, oil, salt, and tins of beans just a couple of minutes' walk from The Land. There are also a few shops in Mokatse, and a larger Choppies in the next village, Oodi (7 km). However, apart from Choppies, these shops only stock basics and tend to be more expensive.
  
  Please do not be misguided into a 'romantic' idea of what village life is like here. Most buildings are modern, cars abound, some rubbish is strewn around, and people are living the best they can with what money they earn. Unfortunately, some people choose to spend their money at the local bar over the weekends, but isn't that the case everywhere? That said, there are still a few thatched huts, chickens pecking around, and goats, cows, donkeys, and kids playing. :-)
  
  Various activities are available around the Gaborone area. It's best to ask me what you are looking for so I can advise.
  
  Important notes to be aware of:
  
  For an internet connection, the best option is to get a Data Bundle for your phone. You can also buy an Orange SIM card and Data Bundle here (Orange has a shop nearby).
  
  The local bar, about 500 meters away, sometimes plays music during the weekends, which can be loud. The quietest nights are Monday to Thursday.
  
  There are mosquitoes after the rains, but not the malaria-carrying ones. If the bar music doesn’t annoy you, the mosquitoes might, so be prepared with citronella. I do have a mosquito net to help you out.
  
  Apart from the dogs and cats, I live alone. If you need a lot of human companionship, you might find it challenging here. I love being alone, and am also usually occupied with my work and can't spend much time with you. Most days will just involve a quick good morning and good evening chat. (And of course, a check to make sure you are working well! :-)) However, I will be able to find some moments to spend with you!!
  
  If you are open to experiencing something simple and different, with nature right at your doorstep and the wind and clouds to keep you company, then you have come to the right place. :-)

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  I have another space close by that is fenced and separate from main plot, so if you are okay to sleep in your tent or car, then you are welcome to come with your pet. Just maybe not your elephant or kangaroo... My dogs are also friendly so should not cause any issues if they like your animal companion/s.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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