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Mother Theresa Resource Center
       
 
Background:
The Roman Catholic Vicariate of Francistown has a site in the Monarch area of Francistown. Over the years, this site, previously called the Boswa Center, has hosted a number of initiatives ranging from sewing and weaving to a computer center combined with sport programs. In 2009, the Vicariate of Francistown began implementing the Mother Theresa Resource Center (MTRC) to provide a safe and clean environment where the local children can play, learn and obtain assistance. Over the course of the past 10 months, the MTRC has acquired the support of outside benefactors and the Botswana government. This support has lead to securing the buildings, refurbishing the interiors with power and plumbing, setting up a soup kitchen facility and clearing the yards and playing fields from years of accumulated debris and neglect while simultaneously providing youth empowerment programs for the children of Monarch.

Present Status:
In June of this year, the MTRC acquired the assistance of a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer (Mike Krause) to subsequently build capacity and mobilize the community around MTRC’s goals. In conjunction with a volunteer from the Bishops Office (John Curtin), MTRC has made great strides providing a safe place for the youth of Monarch to gain relevant life skills in the form of interpersonal relationships, leadership, communication and peer support.

MTRC Goals:
It is essential to have the local community, affiliated caregivers and other stakeholders get involved in and have a sense of ownership over the site and the programs developed at the MTRC. It is our belief that there are many stakeholders trying to help the local community but many are restricted by lack of facilities, experience and funds. The latter especially leads to a greater need for better coordination of all these activities, which will lead to better utilization of their financial and human resources.

Thus, the Mother Theresa Resource Center is creating sustainable synergies between its partners and stakeholders to best accommodate the needs of the youth in Monarch. These youth, most being orphans and vulnerable children, fall into one of two target groups for program development:

              • After School Youth
              • Out of School Youth

By collaborating on programs, the MTRC is better able to build capacity among its partners, share resources and develop a solid monitoring and evaluation system for gauging the success of programs geared toward the youth in Monarch.

 

MTRC currently works with a handful of organizations and government agencies and is in discussion with otherstakeholders interested in mobilizing the community to develop sustainable programs for youth. The following table illustrates the current partners to date:

              • District Commissioner’s Office       
              • Catholic Relief Services
              • District AIDS Coordinating Office
              • Ghetto Artists
              • King’s Foundation
              • Monarch Resource Center
              • SOS Children’s Village
              • Local S&CD Office
              • Monarch WMSAC
              • YOHO
              • Bopaganang Basha
              • Youth Center Network
              • Light & Courage
              • Catholic Church Ward Committee

Current Programs:
The Mother Theresa Resource Center has meticulously developed its programs and partnerships. The target groups for the MRTC are twofold – the after school group and the out of school group and their families. We have the following programs ongoing and planned so far:

              • Boys soccer every Wednesday and Friday in conjunction with The King’s Foundation
              • Feeding program for 160 -240 children every Saturday; sponsored by the Francistown Rotary Club and in conjunction with The King’s Foundation for sports activity
              • Netball training court used by local out-of-school girls team and smaller court for the younger children to learn
              • Girls soccer to be established weekly
              • Volleyball to be established weekly
              • Art and play activities for the younger children
              • Ad hoc games and activities by local children
              • Life skills and capacity building courses have been conducted on site by SOS/CRS/The Kings Foundation/BOCAIP
              • Monarch WMSAC monthly meetings held at site

The following chart outlines the existing activities, programs and services which will ramp up as the Monarch community is mobilized and support strengthens.

Summary

We are proud of our progress so far. Our plan is a slow and steady progression built on mobilization of the local community as essential to ensure the sustainability of the project. This will take time but we are patient and committed to Monarch and helping the community at large. As previously noted, volunteers are running the MTRC. As the programs and site continue to develop, we have the need to localize the position of Site Coordinator into a full time position. Thus funding for this position is our next priority.

Thanks for this opportunity to discuss this exciting project with you and we look forward to your ongoing support. For further information, contact:

Bishop Frank Nubuasah         241 3601              nubuasah@botsnet.bw
Mike Krause (Peace Corps)   72945539             mike@globalbound.org
John Curtin (Volunteer)         7300 1853            canusajc@gmail.com

  

 

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