Here is another one of my articles written for the Kalahari StarOn Monday morning, March 30, the Kopong Community library was already busy. Each computer was being used, young adults occupied the round tables, while a training was taking place in the children’s reading room. Teenager Mary Ledzi Mokgweetsi explained that she comes to this library every day, twice a day. “I read the paper, use the computer, and am very involved with the youth library. We use teamwork and cooperation to help the young students with reading, using the computers, and learning more about different cultures.”
She continued to explain that the library is full in the afternoons. This is where everyone comes after school. There is always a line for the computers. Mary paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “I’m so thankful that they brought the library. We were really struggling before, to find information. Now, as you can see, we have books, papers, magazines, and computers!”
The “thanks” goes to Robert and Sara Rothschild.
In 2006 Robert, a retired engineer, traveled to South Africa to help a friend finish constructing a library. Meanwhile, his wife, Sara, spent a couple of weeks here in Botswana on a Habitat for Humanity project where she helped to build a couple of houses. Their combined experiences made an incredible impact. Rather than taking the opportunity to retire after recently selling their family business, they began a new project. One thing lead to another, and eventually the Robert and Sara Rothschild Family Foundation was born. Sara and Robert worked with the Botswana government and now have a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the Botswana National Library Service (BNLS). The Foundation builds the libraries while the BNLS provides the land, maintenance, books, and the staff.
Their first library opened in September 2007 in Mannangkodi. Kopong Community Library followed 6 months later and opened in February 2008. The most recent library opened in Ramokgonami in October of 2008. At the end of this month, on April 30, the 4th library will open in Matlhako.
In addition to their partnership with the BNLS, the Gates Foundation is using these libraries for one of their pilot programs. The Gates Foundation not only donated and installed six computers in each library, but is also providing computer trainings.
Sara and Robert are incredibly humble people. Just by talking to them, one wouldn’t realize the scope of the positive difference they are making. In order to understand the magnitude of their hard work, huge hearts, and the impact they’ve made on this country, visit one of their libraries. Even better, attend the opening ceremony on April 30 for thelibrary in Matlhako!
Somehow the word is starting to spread about Happy Home. More people are suddenly interested in getting involved. For example, last weekend several diplomatic women hosted a "high tea" as a fundraiser for Happy Home. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled about attending. I was happy to donate money - but I was anxious about the actual event. I'd never been to a high tea before. I wasn't going to know many of these women and wasn't sure if I'd be able to engage in genuine conversation. And of course....the wardrobe dilemna. It's winter here. The mornings and evenings are cold (about 40 degrees). The afternoons, however, reach the 70's. The tea was outdoors from 3-6, meaning half would be warm and the other half cold. I'm glad I didn't bail out! Even though I wasn't exactly in my comfort zone, I had a really nice time. It was really cool to see women from all over the world come together for this good cause. Each hostess sponsored a table and was responsible for selling tickets to women from her country. As I started to walk toward the "American" table, Esther grabbed me and said that I was sitting at her table. Talk about feeling relieved! Nothing against my fellow Americans, it was just nice to sit with Esther and some of her friends I've met by volunteering at Happy Home. 
After tea was served, we were welcomed by the hostess and invited to help ourselves to the amazing food cooked by all the different nationalities. What a treat! But the best part of the event....the surprise visit / concert from the kids at Happy Home. Most of the women at the event, knew very little about Happy Home. Having the kids there was PERFECT! The women were so impressed.
I think they were taken back by their talent (playing the violin, recorder, xylophone, etc.) - and all thanks to the hard work and love of Esther and David! They've been running the home for 10 years now. And WOW! Wish you could have been there!
