Kalahari Experience is a non-profit educational organization helping to shape schools, students & lives.

Our Objectives & Strategies

Supporting Education

Ongoing educational opportunities will be provided for the learners and educators in adopted schools of the Moshaweng Valley through specialized, targeted instruction to improve learning outcomes.​

Building Cross-Cultural Awareness

Participants from FIS/ISW and collaborating schools worldwide will be involved in structured programs enabling them to gain understanding and empathy of cultural diversity, historical and political influences, and curricular needs.​

Supporting Agriculture and Sustainability

Targeted vocational skills development in the local agriculture sector through collaboration with Learning Academy Worldwide's AgrAcademy.

Targeting Literacy

Library services and resources to support the South African curriculum within the Moshaweng Valley will be provided in collaboration with the Northern Cape Department of Education.

Supporting Health and Nutrition

Resources and awareness for HIV, TB, and COVID prevention will be provided.

Enabling E-Learning Equity

Software and hardware solutions for offline learning management systems will be provided that enable mobile access to interactive learning resources. Content is tailored to South African K-12 curriculum, community needs, and vocational opportunities.

A History of the Kalahari Experience

1968: Forced Resettlement

History of the moshaweng valley

35,000 Tswana people are forcibly removed from the area called Lohatia 150 km south of Kuruman to the Moshaweng Valley 120 km northeast of Kuruman. They become part of the homeland of Bophuthatswana and are formed into townships.

1982: Marist Order

History of the moshaweng valley

Brother Anthony, of the Marist order, leads a group to find a mission at Slough, one of the largest apartheid resettlement villages in the area. First schools and basic clinics are built and food from the program Operation Hunger and other donors is organized to combat mass hunger. Malnutrition is endemic to the valley.

1986: Ambrose Kelly

History of the moshaweng valley

Ambrose Kelly OAM arrives to work in the Valley for the first time. He continues to serve as an inspiration to everyone who follows in his footsteps.

1997: The Spark Ignites and Unites

History of the moshaweng valley

On the initiative of students, teachers, and parents, the first group of 14 people from Frankfurt International School goes to the Valley for two weeks. A pattern of partnership begins which is a combination of teaching, building schools, maintenance, and relief work. When apartheid ends, the area becomes part of the North West Province of SA.

2000: International Support

history of the moshaweng valley

Concordia College is invited to join with FIS and begin providing direct teaching to Kalahari students to help improve their matriculation rates. Frankfurt International School becomes the first recipient of the new Semie Award bestowed by the European Council of International Schools. FIS and partner schools begin providing direct teaching to Kalahari students to help improve their matriculation rates.

2015: Local Empowerment

History of the moshaweng valley

KwaBENGO and KEY are registered in South Africa as business and NonProfit Organizations (respectively) to advance opportunities for people living within the Moshaweng Valley and District.

2019: Big Hearts

History of the moshaweng valley

One of the most successful programs run in Loopeng Village with 66 registrants working on Science, Mathematics, Humanities, Agriculture and Life Empowerment. Studies in driving skills also incorporated into this program. Programs supporting Health Services and Youth Literacy were initiated and are being worked on for expansion in 2020.

2020: Support Reimagined

History of the moshaweng valley

As COVID disrupted teams from travelling, local leaders adapted to continue critical projects virtually. Students at FIS begin the development of a tailored learning management system that gives local learners access to educational material. Furthermore, the collaboration with AgrAcademy expands to target knowledge acquisition in the area of agricultural- and corollary sciences.

2022: Honoring a Legacy

History of the moshaweng valley

TBD

Kalahari Experience Beliefs

1. Education is a fundamental right that empowers people to improve their opportunities and quality of life.

2. International service experiences build trusting relationships and global partnerships across diverse cultures.

3. Service experiences must be collaborative, sustainable and committed to creating life-long learning and self-sufficiency.

4. The education of the learners of the Moshaweng Valley must be supported through advocacy to eliminate education barriers.

5. Individuals within groups working towards a common goal can bring about positive change.

6. Working with the people of the Moshaweng Valley develops and strengthens understanding between cultures and leads to personal and professional growth.

7. The long-term preparation and commitment required for an international service experience broadens horizons, experiences, and education of all participants.

Project Area

Loopeng

Padstow (Pepsi)

Laxey

Impressions of the Moshaweng Valley

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to help others without expecting any return”

– Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela