Creative Borders Sparks Confidence and Community in Botswana

At the Maru-a-Pula school in Gaborone, Botswana, Teaching Artists from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United States ignited the creative spark in hundreds of youth from the surrounding area. “Pula” means “rain” in Botswana’s native language, and as the rain nourishes Botswana’s land so did the incredible power of the arts inspire the students to flourish.

However, as Arts Ignite returned to Gaborone this February for the Creative Borders arts camp, Botswana’s rain presented a rare and unprecedented challenge. After record-breaking rainfall caused severe flooding, the government declared a national emergency, causing schools to shut down and limiting transportation. In keeping with the camp’s theme – “LIMITLESS” – our team’s spirit shined through the challenge, delivering amazing virtual lessons to participants every day.

Once the floods cleared, our team returned to schools with newfound resilience and strength of community, eager to help students discover those traits within themselves. At Ambrose Academy, an inclusive school with learners with special needs, students explored storytelling, movement, and self-expression through interactive arts workshops. We saw kids light up, take risks, and express themselves in ways they hadn’t before.

One special night with the Mafitlhakgosi Traditional Dance Group, over 50 young singers, dancers, and drummers performed for our team. Their energy lit up the night, setting the stage for an incredible exchange of knowledge. Our Teaching Artist Brian, based in South Africa, taught the youth a traditional Zulu dance. Chavon and Taylor from the USA brought their own perspective, leading the group in a lesson on contemporary dance techniques.

In the end, our team created a truly powerful program in Botswana. “The energy and enthusiasm of everyone was unforgettable,” said one participant. The program also helped students develop new skills. “I got so much better at acting and dancing—I feel more comfortable speaking freely with people now,” one student shared. The impact was so profound that many were already looking forward to the next camp. “I’m so grateful for the artists who brought this program to us. Please come back next year!” Others shared that the program helped them develop their self expression, confidence, and ability to become limitless.

Creative Borders’ Future in Botswana

This year, we brought our Teaching Artist Training Program to Creative Borders with an initiative called “The Kindling.” Three local Teaching Artist Fellows learned from Arts Ignite’s Teaching Artists about culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching through the lens of Universal Design for Learning, and how to engage even the shyest of youth to increase their confidence.

This year’s Fellow’s left the program with a better understanding of themselves and their role as Teaching Artists. According to one, the training “planted the seed” for students in Botswana to engage with the arts, and “This [Creative Borders] is only the beginning.” Another shared that the trainings taught them to lean into their individuality, using their personality to create a unique energy and inspire students.

Over time, this program will cultivate a team of local Teaching Artists who can bring their learnings into their communities and lead future sessions of Creative Borders. Supporting local artists has always been at the heart of our work, ever since the first programs Mary-Mitchell Campbell ran in India. We feel honored to have international programming as a cornerstone of our work to this day, and Creative Borders represents our commitment to bringing the joy of arts education wherever it is needed most in the world.