SOCOBA’s Goals
Stage 1: Set Up a Non-Profit Corporation in the U.S.
The first step towards establishing SOCOBA was completed in May, 2004 when it was incorporated as a 501(c)3 corporation in May, 2004. Completed
Stage 2: Set Up a Non-Profit Corporation in Botswana
The SOCOBA leadership in Botswana includes Kgosi (Chief) Rradikgetsi Tiro and his wife Mma Tiro, members of the Mabule Village Development Committee, a youth representative and two other villagers. This group will work to set up the SOCOBA Trust locally.
These members have all been chosen by a group already committed to SOCOBA. The final step in this process is to complete the necessary paperwork required to establish a trust in Botswana and set up an accounting system.
Completed, December 2005
Stage 3: Pre-building Plans
The Chief had allocated the land. When fund-raising proceeds the land will be registered with the local land board under SOBOBA’s name.
Our architect, Don Velsey, has completed the designs for the center.
Stage 4: Fund-Raising Endeavors
A fundraising drive has begun with an initial goal of $50,000 US dollars.
When the initial amount is raised, the US project coordinators will travel to Mabule and commence a formal groundbreaking ceremony. Construction will begin after groundbreaking and the staff will begin a formal identification and intake process for each orphan.
Stage 5: First Year of Operation
An audit will be conducted by an external source, a needs analysis will be pounded out, and support from local resources will be developed.
A key factor in ensuring long term self-sustainability will be to create small business endeavors, for both SOCOBA and the individuals who operate the center. Creating these enterprises and ensuring the proper training and support will be an important focus. Support and expertise from volunteers in the U.S. and other countries will be an essential focus.
Coordinatinon of efforts in the United States and site managment in Botswana will be handled by Project Coordinator, Nicholas Seferian.
Aerial View
Below is a drawing viewed from above, of the proposed SOCOBA site in Mabule.
Aerial view of proposed socoba site.
