Day 2 – Lobatse – St Theresa RC School.

An early start was needed for the 80km drive out to Lobatse.  Thank fully Bus Banter was high with DJ Carl playing all your favourite hits form the 80s.

We arrived at St Theresa RC School in. Again we were greeted by 16 smiling teachers ready to learn about CWB and how to integrate HIV AIDS messages into their sports and mainly cricket lessons (we love cricket).

The coaching course started with our newest volunteer Meng Xi leading the way with CWB and ABC messages. Meng did amazingly well and was able to swiftly engage the teachers within a subject area that still carries great stigma in Botswana.

The next discovery was of ‘talent’ the group of teachers in Lobastse took to cricket like ducks to water, as we saw straight drive after straight drive, followed by the renamed Botswanan Pull shot again and again being hit straight through cones in true ECB fashion yet with some African flair thrown in!

Once the batting drills finished we uncovered 2 Botswanan fast bowlers in Dibs and Tibs! It was breathtaking to see such raw talent bowling quick and accurately the moment they were handed a ball, so much so head coach and Tutor Adam took the lads off for a separate session where stumps were demolished! (Video to follow via FB, watch it.. brilliant stuff)

Post session with the teachers we had a HIV de brief, Today we decided to informally split the teachers up and see if we could gain some greater insight in to how HIV Aids is dealt with in Botswana. It was fascinating as we managed to yield far more information in smaller groups that we did as a large group the previous day. People were far more comfortable speaking in smaller groups and it helped the team learn more and more. Many of the teachers were impressed how they actually teach the ABC message outside through sport rather than just through the ‘lecturing mode’ of classroom sessions.

In the afternoon we were joined by 65 children keen to learn about cricket, we ran through drills in the scorching African sun making sure all the kids had an amazing time, multiple high fives and exploding fist bumps were enjoyed by all. At the end of the session dad Tim showed he amazing skill as a T Shirt putter on er, helping the young ones get dressed (Great Dad skills Tim)

Finally we were joined by the local village chief, fantastic timing as the kids were chanting ABCs and smiling ear to ear.

CWB has really opened my eyes on this trip in a very short time. I can’t wait for tomorrow but now it’s time for bed and much needed rest b4 we go again tomorrow. Carl is promising a 70s hour from 8am, I’m just hoping Liver in back on the menu from brekkie!

For those following the tennis ball drama there was a staring role for 'Chris' today as Carl utilised him during the warm up, pic attached. No sign of Mike or Tim on day 2. Tim I think may be MIA. Whilst Mike is patiently waiting on the bench for his debut.

Thanks all.

Tom, Tommy, Coops etc and all the Botswana team