State Visit to the Republic of Botswana - Day 2
Along with Craig Kielburger, Co-Founder and Ambassador for Free the Children, Her Excellency had the opportunity to participate in after-school activities and engage with youth who benefit from the program.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0240-001
Since the early 1980s, Botswana has been the world’s largest producer of gem diamonds. DTCB is a 50/50 joint venture partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and the De Beers Family of Companies. It is known as the world’s largest and most sophisticated rough diamond sorting and valuing operation.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2013-0229-004
The goal of Stepping Stones International is to unlock the potential of orphaned and vulnerable adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years by nurturing their mental, physical and emotional well-being, and by creating attainable opportunities for them to become self-sufficient. A youth from the centre sang in honour of Her Excellency's visit.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0240-003
In the afternoon, Her Excellency visited Stepping Stones International and met with Canadians from World University Services Canada (WUSC) who volunteer at the centre.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0240-002
During her visit, Her Excellency had the opportunity to discuss with youth how have benefited from this clinic.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0239-011
Afterwards, Her Excellency Sharon Johnston visited Tebelopele, a local HIV testing and counselling clinic that administers rapid testing to over 2 000 patients on a monthly basis.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0239-002
Their Excellencies, joined by the Honourable Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, visited the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) and saw first-hand how rough diamonds arriving from the mines are sorted into different categories according to their size, shape, quality and colour.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0229-104
A military band provided entertainment to guests during the State luncheon.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2013-0231-002
Dr. Ponatshego P. H. K. Kedikilwe, Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana, hosted a State luncheon in honour of Their Excellencies’visit to the country.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2013-0231-001
His Excellency addressed students and college staff on the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Botswana, as well as highlighted Canada’s excellence in training and capacity building.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2013-0230-003
As commander-in-chief of Canada, His Excellency visited the Botswana Defence Force Staff College to see how Canada and Botswana have developed strong defence relations through Canada’s Military Training and Co-operation Program.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2013-0230-002
His Excellency inspected a diamond with a jeweler's loupe.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2013-0229-005
Her Excellency left her mark before leaving the centre, which received funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Canadian-based Stephen Lewis Foundation, which works with grassroots organizations to turn the tide on HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0240-004