AFRICANEWS
Action and ContactsEmpowering the marginalised is our priorityAccording to the secretary, Mr Kamana Phetso, KDT is an initiave of the Dutch Reformed Church which later handed it to the Basarwa people who are a mixed race of Boers, Hereros and Tswana most of whom are working at KDT projects, private and Government sectors from Maun and Ghanzi. Being an indigenous organisation, KDT wishes to accompany the people of Basarwa in a process of gaining control over their own resources. It is interesting, however to note that the Basarwa people like the Sun or Bushmen of South Africa, Saami of the North, the native Americans, aboriginal of Australia and the Masaai of East Africa share the same problems of having lost the land they have used for hunting and gathering fields for centuries. Today, most of these people are a minority group who for many reasons feel unable to exercise their rights in their countries. Bearing this In mind , KDT projects aims to sustain the life of the people and alleviate poverty, ignorance and diseases. "We have to do something ourselves and other people will help us." explains Mr Kamana. According to KDT programmes manager, Mr Cees Otto economic projects have been quite successful especially in promoting the name of the organisation at national and international trade fairs. He says that KDT has managed to make deals with steady groups of suppliers as well as buyers for all the KDT products. A consortium of donors including NORAD, USAID, SNV and BCC are funding a total of 32 families at each settlement who prove that they have taken on the project by fencing, clearing and cultivating the plants. P KDT also runs a cultural and Training Centre. In the center, there traditional paintings done by Kuru artists. A museum, within the centre attracts both local and foreign visitors. A separate room is used to exhibit artistic works, video shows as well as workshop activities take place. The room also contains a library with a .collection of more than 243 books including anthropological research materials. "We also keep some easy to-read printed materials to strengthen the literacy programme and have just started offering services ones a week and video and slide shows ones a month. These are not only educational, but helps with building a community spirit and recreational." Explains Maude Brown, the cultural and Training coordinator of KDT. Through the Botswana Christian Council, KDT has been visiting settlements all over the country as part of a research on how people see their future and their involvement in their development. Some people now desire to participate in the establishment of the new government settlement like East Hanahai, Tchabo, Khekhenya and Malatswae. An alternative school started on 11 September, 1993 conducts literacy programmes, pre-school teachers training, a section for workshops as well as Bokamaso programme which encompasses assistance towards running and management of 10 schools in the settlements. This programme is also providing in-service training for the teachers. The KDT takes responsibility towards finding donors, delivering salaries and some basic food for the children, teachers as well as management over all the service and economic projects runs for the benefits of the community and the entire country. For further information contact:
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