Natavillage.org gets invited to Geneva, Switzerland!!

To go from elephants in the bush near Nata to Geneva, Switzerland is a big leap. The Peace Corps Volunteers involved with the three winning projects in the Peace Corps ICT contest have been given a scholarship to attend the Global Forum on Youth and ICT for Development in Geveva, Switzerland. Special thanks to Mr. Paul Jhin, Director of Special Inititatives at Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. as he is responsible for securing the scholarships from the United Nations on behalf of the volunteers who will be presenting their projects at the International Conference Center in Geneva. The conference begins on September 24th and the volunteers will present on the 26th. This is an excellent opportunity to share the strengths and needs of Nata village at an international setting. The opportunity presented itself on a VERY short notice. It is amazing at which the speed of Peace Corps and the United Nations Development Program arranged for the tickets for us to travel to Geneva. Thanks go to Peace Corps (PC) Botswana Country Director, Peggy McClure and Administrative officer Gilbert Collins for going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure Nata was represented at the conference. Also thanks to cashier Gladys who got me to the UNDP office with only two minutes to spare to pick up my ticket and to PC IT specialist Eric for assisting with last minute color printing. We also want to thank Mr. David Liner of Peace Corps Washington, D.C. for approving our participation. Some of you may remember that we were fortunate to have Mr. Liner and PC Director Dr. Tschetter visit Nata a few months back. Plenty of photos will be taken so we can share the experience with all of you. A heartfelt congratulations to Jon Rawlinson and Seloma Tiro who are partners in this project. Way to go guys!! By the way, Jon compiled the previous post so it's apparent who the real technical expert is. Jon, thanks for being our technical guru. We hope this opportunity brings more resources to Nata village. This post is being sent from Jo-Berg, South Africa as I patiently wait my 5 hour layover.

Comments

[Heather Awsumb]

Wow, congrats Mel that is so awesome. Enjoy the cool weather in Geneva :)

~ Heather