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Human stories of the Okavango, storytellers wanted

On set: The author, Thalefang Charles, 
caught during production of the film PIC: BOSE BONDA
On set: The author, Thalefang Charles, caught during production of the film PIC: BOSE BONDA

Last year, I earned the title “National Geographic Explorer,” but I’ve mostly been exploring my own backyard. And a question I always ask is, “why do people live here?”

My country, Botswana, and particularly the Okavango Delta, has been the subject of several nature and wildlife films. But rarely do these films feature people. And almost never do these films acknowledge our people for their role in protecting our water, nature, and wildlife since the beginning of time.

On my journey to tell stories of the people of the Okavango, I have gotten to know some of these legendary humans, including one of the region's revered medicine men, former safari guides, and elders from our indigenous communities. They are all “living libraries” of the Delta and its traditions.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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