Our Story

Our founder, Naomi Baldwin graduated from Shippensburg University with a degree in Elementary Education. Soon after graduating she decided against teaching and accepted a job working on cruise ships. This sparked her passion for travel and she has been traveling the world extensively ever since.

In 2010 while backpacking through Southern Africa, she was captivated by the culture and tight-knit bond of the poverty-stricken communities. One day while watching a collection of children playing in the streets during school hours, she realized that there was a lack of proper schooling in the area. This was when the dream of Building Botswana began, and it was decided that the first major project would be to build a preschool in Botswana. She believed it was a perfect way to intertwine her education degree with charity work and travel.

Since then, Building Botswana has expanded to South Africa and Zambia. We are dedicated to optimistic communities in Southern Africa and are continuously looking for projects that will empower children to make a difference in their future.

Mission Statement

Building Botswana's mission is to partner with locals in Southern Africa to build hope for poverty-stricken communities. With respect for cultural diversity and an emphasis on education, we aim to inspire moments of optimism by empowering locals to make a difference.


Botswana Stats

  • Population: 2,029,307
  • Languages: Setswana, English and various tribal languages
  • Population below poverty line: 30.3% (2003 est)
  • Life expectancy: 60 years
  • HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate: 23.9% (2007 est)
  • Children orphaned: 20%

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