Our sixth mission to Botswana has once again reaffirmed the power of sustained commitment, meaningful relationships, and student-driven impact. While the days spent in Dukwi Refugee Camp are always intense and transformative, the true success of this mission lies in the continuous work carried out year-round alongside camp leaders and partners.
Strengthening Partnerships in Gaborone
We began our journey in Gaborone with an important diplomatic engagement, presenting our program at the Ministry of Justice. The Minister was deeply impressed by our students and the scope of the work they are doing, reinforcing the value of this partnership.
Launching the ASB/HP Academy
The heart of the mission was at the Dukwi Refugee Camp, where our students led a series of impactful initiatives. The most significant milestone was the creation of the first-ever post-secondary learning space in the camp: the ASB/HP Academy. Our students introduced the curriculum, prepared the learning environment, assembled furniture, and enrolled 32 refugees in HP LIFE courses, which will begin shortly. In a context where opportunities after secondary school are extremely limited, this represents a critical step forward for youth empowerment.
Early Childhood Innovation and Learning
In the Early Childhood Center, students designed and built a multisensory classroom from the ground up, inspired by ASB’s own inquiry-based approach. Using hands-on materials such as clay, puzzles, costumes, and sensory activities, children were able to explore and communicate in new ways. The impact extended to teachers as well, who embraced these new methodologies. This work was strengthened by prior collaboration, including a visit to ASB’s ECC, guidance from our ECC principal, Ms. Cristina Torrengo, and ongoing virtual exchanges made possible through the Starlink connection established last year.
Expanding Sports and Social Impact
Our sports development initiative continued to grow, with the delivery of uniforms and equipment for both youth and adult soccer teams, benefiting around 40 children. The girls’ team—established in 2024—continues to demonstrate a remarkable social impact, with increasing evidence of positive lifestyle choices among participants. Our students also led training sessions and organized an inspiring presentation for the teams. A particularly memorable moment was the girls’ team playing their first-ever match against a federated team, an opportunity made possible through connections established earlier in Gaborone.
Student Led Learning and Leadership
In education, we facilitated a hands-on science workshop with 8th-grade students, providing materials to sustain experimentation for an entire year. This initiative, led by one of our Grade 11 students as part of her CAS project, reflects the depth of student leadership embedded in the mission.
Building Emotional Intelligence and Community
We also continued our work on emotional intelligence, with a second annual workshop led for youth and community leaders. This session has become a valued space for reflection, growth, and community connection within the camp.
Celebrating Connection and Shared Experiences
Our time in Dukwi concluded with a farewell gathering at the primary school—a celebration of connection, joy, and shared experiences that brought together students, teachers, and community members.
Extending Impact Beyond the Camp
Beyond Dukwi, the mission included moments of cultural exchange and reflection. In Gaborone, we visited refugee students currently attending university through Ministry sponsorship, offering them a deeper understanding of the long-term impact and future pathways.
Recognition and Lasting Impact
The mission concluded with a meaningful recognition: an invitation from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Ms. Stella Moroka, to a dinner in our honor, alongside government and civil society members. This gesture highlighted the strength of the relationships built and the recognition of the work carried out over the years.
Gratitude for Our Sponsors
We return from this sixth mission proud—not only of what was accomplished during these days, but of the enduring partnerships, trust, and shared vision that make this work truly impactful.
We are especially grateful to the families whose generous contributions allowed us to purchase desks and chairs for the ASB/ HP LIFE Academy, as well as the materials needed to create the Early Childhood Center’s multisensory learning space.
- Anwar Family
- Bassini Covre Family
- Brooks Smith Family
- Castillo Salas Family
- Duran Ferres Family
- Mullan Rune Family
- Oros Gonzalez Family
- Pallares Burkle Family
- Zhang Family
- Parents Association