The term “out-of-school” children and youth in Botswana is defined as the population between the ages of 12-35 years who do not attend school or who have acquired basic education but dropped out before completing their term. This also includes handicapped children or children from families living in poverty who do not have the opportunity to attend school.
Dukwi Refugee Camp is a multi-national community with a population that comprises of out of school youth. Most of them have completed their compulsory and basic education and a few have completed tertiary education, but have less to no opportunities to proceed to tertiary level as well as job opportunities. Hence, this leaves the youth in boredom and engages in undesirable behaviours. A group of youth in Dukwi Refugee Camp has come together in trying to curb boredom and by engaging in different activities.
There is a youth council that comprises of 10 members; Chairperson, Vice-chairperson, Secretary, Vice secretary, Information and Publicity, and five different additional members holding different portfolios. The youth Council will be an intermediator between Skillshare, other stakeholders, and the youth in the community. The youth council will be meeting every fortnight for planning and progress reports.
During a meeting which lead to selection of the council, the youth expressed how boredom is affecting their lives in the camp. They suggested activities that they could engage in and will help in curbing boredom. TheList included: Spelling bee, basic computer lessons, sewing lessons, baking, debate, dance classes, talent shows, hairdressing classes, excursion trips, Beauty pageant, Online courses, Online classes Secondary Certificate, sporting activities e.g. Volleyball, Basket Ball, Soccer, fitness training. They hope and believe with the support from Skillshare and other stakeholders the implementation of the suggested activities will be a success.