Priebe first learned of Habitat for Humanity from a representative who spoke to his Homelessness class at Viterbo. Intensely moved by what he had heard, the non-traditional student took a year off from college and went to work for Habitat in Georgia. For the most part it was friends, relatives and local businesses who came to his aid and made this trek of a lifetime a reality. While making their way toward Francistown for a week-long building project, the 40 Habitat volunteers, all from the US and Canada, averaged 60 miles on bike each day. A support truck and scouting vehicle kept them stocked with supplies and safe from the potential danger of African wildlife.
Many African countries try to emulate South Africa because it is the most westernized.
Despite the geographical barrier and the economic disparity, we influence their culture in profound ways. I don't know if it's good or bad. Similar to the urbanization which took place in the US in the late 1800s, Botswanan villagers are beginning to occupy shanty towns, as they are unable to sustain themselves by farming and must seek alternative employment in the growing diamond, precious metal and coal mining industry. Their social structure breaks down as they form crowded communities and the strong family bond begins to disintegrate, Priebe surmised. There they lived much like the villagers who were accustomed to collard greens, African grits, hand washed clothing outhouses.