Our Mission

Empowering Communities

Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community in Gaborone, Botswana, where the transformative power of arts education becomes a catalyst for individual growth and societal enrichment. Committed to fostering creativity and self-expression, we provide accessible and diverse artistic opportunities for people of all ages.

We aim to inspire a lifelong love for the arts, equipping individuals with the tools they need to explore and develop their unique talents. Through a range of educational programs and community initiatives, we strive to break down barriers to participation and empower individuals to unlock their full potential.

By placing a special emphasis on the intersection of arts and life skills development, we seek to nurture not only artistry but also critical life skills such as leadership, collaboration, and resilience. We believe that the arts have the power to transcend boundaries, bridge communities, and instill values that contribute to a more empathic and empowered society.

At the heart of our mission, we are dedicated to creating spaces where everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, can find their voice, express their creativity, and engage in a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Through the transformative experience of arts education, we envision a world where individuals are not only enriched by the arts but are also equipped with the essential life skills necessary for personal success and positive community impact.

Join us in building a community where the arts flourish, fostering a tapestry of self-expression, creativity, and empowerment for all.

Real-Life Impact

Our commitment to arts education has yielded transformative results in Gaborone, Botswana. Through our programs, we have empowered individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to unleash their creative potential, fostering personal growth and community enrichment.

Since 2016, we have witnessed the following impactful outcomes:

Individual Empowerment

Individuals have participated in our arts education programs, gaining newfound confidence, self-expression skills, and a sense of empowerment.

Community Partnerships

We have established 14 partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses, amplifying the reach and impact of our arts education initiatives. Our initiatives promote inclusivity, understanding, and collaboration among diverse groups.

Access to Arts Education

Life Skills Development

97% of participants reported significant improvements in critical life skills, including leadership, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Cultural Enrichment

Our events and projects have contributed to a vibrant cultural landscape, celebrating local artistic talent and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Gaborone.

Positive Social Change

Through strategic partnerships and accessibility initiatives, we have increased access to arts education, reducing barriers and reaching underserved populations.

Community-led projects and initiatives have emerged from our programs, creating a ripple effect of positive social change and community betterment.

As we reflect on our impact, we remain dedicated to fostering a community where the arts serve as a powerful force for personal development, cultural enrichment, and positive societal change. Together, we continue to build a legacy of creativity, empowerment, and inclusivity in Gaborone, transforming lives one artistic expression at a time.

What's next for Creative Borders?

Creative Borders is thrilled to announce its return to Gaborone, Botswana, for our fifth program in June 2024. Partnering with another NY-based arts organization, Arts Ignite, we will organize a team of three highly skilled Teaching Artists. Our focus will be on conducting daily workshops at the Maru-a-Pula School and the Ambrose Academy. Additionally, we are excited to inaugurate a groundbreaking program dedicated to training local Teaching Artists, further fostering artistic growth and collaboration within the community.

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PROJECT OBJECTIVES

(35 total hours)

The unwavering support from the Maru-a-Pula School has been instrumental in making our programs not only possible but also facilitating their remarkable growth. In the upcoming year, 2024, we are thrilled to expand our impact by introducing daily workshops. These sessions will serve as a nurturing ground for students' artistic expression while simultaneously fostering the development of essential life skills, including leadership, collaboration, and resilience.

Founded on the principles of service and equality, Maru-a-Pula has steadfastly dedicated itself to the betterment of the nation of Botswana. In response to the pressing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and poverty, the school took a proactive stance by initiating the Maru-a-Pula OVC Scholarship Program in 2005. This program serves as a beacon of hope, offering opportunities to local children profoundly affected by these societal issues.

At Maru-a-Pula, the student community, comprising individuals aged 13-18 years, is a testament to the school's inclusive mission and commitment to addressing the broader issues facing Botswana. Through its OVC Scholarship Program, Maru-a-Pula strives to create a positive impact by empowering the younger generation and fostering a future marked by resilience, equality, and shared prosperity.

(9 total hours)

Since our inaugural journey in 2016, Creative Borders has forged a transformative partnership with the pioneering Ambrose Academy. The academy is dedicated to providing children with disabilities access to quality education and therapeutic services, empowering them to envision a better future and become self-reliant contributors to the nation's economy.

Our collaborative efforts have resulted in the creation of lessons that leverage movement, music, and storytelling to enhance mind-body connections, coordination, and communication for the students at Ambrose Academy. Over the years, our tailored approach has proven instrumental in fostering positive expressions of emotions and frustrations among the students. This positive outlet, in turn, translates into improvements not only in social behavior and life skills training but also in academic achievements.

Remarkably, Ambrose Academy has experienced substantial growth since our initial partnership, culminating in the establishment of a brand-new facility equipped with new technologies. This advancement has enabled us to seamlessly continue our lessons remotely, maintaining our commitment to the students’ development. In late 2023, we took a significant step forward by launching our first pre-recorded lesson for Ambrose students, building on the foundation laid during the previous summer. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing partnership, setting the stage for continued collaboration and impactful contributions to the students' educational journey.

(40 total hours)

We are proudly introducing Arts Ignite’s groundbreaking Teaching Artist training program designed to empower local artists aspiring to become educators and leaders within their community. This revolutionary initiative offers a tailor-made 40-hour training program, meticulously crafted and guided by Arts Ignite in collaboration with the Teaching Artist team. This comprehensive program unfolds seamlessly alongside the other components of the Creative Borders program, ensuring a holistic and immersive learning experience.

The inaugural program is poised to select four to five exceptional participants through a competitive application process. Aimed at nurturing the future leaders of Gaborone's artistic community, this training will equip candidates with the skills and knowledge essential for educational excellence and community leadership.

To recognize the dedication and commitment of the selected candidates, compensation will be provided for their active participation in this transformative program. We remain committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive environment that propels local artists toward success in both their artistic endeavors and educational leadership roles.

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The unwavering support from the Maru-a-Pula School has been instrumental in making our programs not only possible but also facilitating their remarkable growth. In the upcoming year, 2024, we are thrilled to expand our impact by introducing daily workshops. These sessions will serve as a nurturing ground for students' artistic expression while simultaneously fostering the development of essential life skills, including leadership, collaboration, and resilience.

Founded on the principles of service and equality, Maru-a-Pula has steadfastly dedicated itself to the betterment of the nation of Botswana. In response to the pressing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and poverty, the school took a proactive stance by initiating the Maru-a-Pula OVC Scholarship Program in 2005. This program serves as a beacon of hope, offering opportunities to local children profoundly affected by these societal issues.

At Maru-a-Pula, the student community, comprising individuals aged 13-18 years, is a testament to the school's inclusive mission and commitment to addressing the broader issues facing Botswana. Through its OVC Scholarship Program, Maru-a-Pula strives to create a positive impact by empowering the younger generation and fostering a future marked by resilience, equality, and shared prosperity.

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PROJECT PROPOSAL

📍 Gaborone, Botswana

Transforming Lives Through Art

As of 2020, Botswana faces a substantial public health challenge, with the third-highest adult HIV prevalence globally, standing at 19.9% (World Bank Data). The repercussions of HIV/AIDS on societal inequality have been particularly pronounced over the past two decades, with children bearing a disproportionate burden. Shockingly, 35% of children in Botswana are classified as OVC (orphans and vulnerable children), reflecting the profound impact of the epidemic on the younger population (Botswana Government, 2019). Disturbingly, 33.3% of individuals in the lowest wealth quintile in Botswana are children, underscoring the intersection of economic vulnerability and the heightened susceptibility of children to the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS (Botswana Government, 2019). These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted impact of the epidemic on different segments of the population in Botswana.

Our extensive network of community partners has empowered us to positively impact more than 1500 individuals annually. Our collaborative efforts span a wide spectrum, encompassing local primary and high schools, universities, and non-governmental organizations that align with our mission. Central to our initiatives is the commitment to maximizing our outreach by harnessing and guiding the local resources of our partner organizations. Whenever we deliver a workshop at one school, our dedicated approach ensures that we actively seek opportunities to extend these valuable experiences to other educational institutions, amplifying the reach and impact of our programs.

Our Local Community Partners

Our extensive network of community partners has empowered us to positively impact more than 1500 individuals annually. Our collaborative efforts span a wide spectrum, encompassing local primary and high schools, universities, and non-governmental organizations that align with our mission. Central to our initiatives is the commitment to maximizing our outreach by harnessing and guiding the local resources of our partner organizations. Whenever we deliver a workshop at one school, our dedicated approach ensures that we actively seek opportunities to extend these valuable experiences to other educational institutions, amplifying the reach and impact of our programs.