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Francistown Tlokweng Capital: Gaborone Area: 582,000 km² Population: 1.6 million (December 2000 est.) Ethnic groups: Tswana (75%), Bakalanga, San, Europeans and Asians Official languages: Setswana, English Religion(s): indigenous beliefs (50%), Christians Currency: 1 pula = 100 thebe Our Facilities In 1980, first efforts were made to establish contact between SOS-Kinderdorf International and the government of Botswana and in 1984, the construction work for the first SOS Children's Village in Botswana started. About two years later, in early 1986, the SOS Children's Village Tlokweng was completed. It is situated in Tlokweng, one of Gaborone's suburbs, around 7 km of the city centre. The village was extended twice during the years and today it comprises 15 family houses. From 1993 to 1995, some houses in Gaborone were built or bought, which are now serving as SOS Youth Houses. Here the youths live during the time of their vocational training or education and prepare themselves for an independent life under the guidance of their youth leaders. In the mid 90s planning for the construction of a second SOS Children's Village began. A suitable site was acquired in Francistown, a city in the Northeast of Botswana, and in 1997 the cornerstone for the second SOS Children's Village in Botswana was laid. On 17 March 1999 the Village was officially inaugurated in the presence of honorary guests Princess Benedikte of Denmark and her husband Prince Richard, Minister Kwelagobe of Botswana and many other participants. Contact: SOS Children's Village Association Botswana P.O.Box 30396 Gaborone Botswana tel. +267-395 32 20 fax +267-395 32 20