Questions Experts Ask Us
On the Sunday morning of January 14th, a diverse group of subject matter experts, including ecological consultants, business analysts, land surveyors, zoologists, geologists, and various engineering and health specialists, convened at the blitz site. Their goal was to assess the feasibility of the project and pinpoint critical areas that require thorough planning and assessment. The following are key questions raised during this meeting, along with responses provided by the Eternal Foundation team:
Q. Market Engagement: How are you ensuring community buy-in and participation? Has a survey been conducted to gauge interest?
To ensure community buy-in and participation, we have prepared invitation letters for local leadership, including the kgosi, dikgosana, area councilor, member of Parliament, Village Development Committee (VDC), Local development trusts, local associations, CSOs, and faith-based organizations. This approach is integral to driving community engagement in the event.
Q. Buy-in from Target Market: What methods are being used to ensure the target market’s turnout for the event?
Several strategies are in place to ensure market turnout. The Country-Living Blitz has been uniquely packaged as a gamified adventure experience, appealing to a broad target market with various participation incentives. Further details can be found in the Blitz Concept Note document.
3. Handling Low Participation: What contingency plans are in place to address potential low turnout?
Our event planning is scalable. We have organized contingency plans for various turnout scenarios, accommodating increments of 20 up to 260 participants.
4. Sponsorship Commitments: Have there been any pledges or commitments from sponsors for this project?
As of this report, we have secured five bronze level sponsors, including a management consulting firm, land survey and mapping consulting company, an aerial drone operating business, a natural health service consultant, and engineering consultants. A complete list of current commitments is available [here (link)]. Various incentives are provided for potential partners.
Q. Funding for Engineering: What strategies are in place for financing the engineering aspects of the project?
We are actively seeking partnerships with mechanical engineering companies and heavy plant and machinery/equipment providers. Currently, we have secured consultant commitments and are exploring alternative strategies should we not secure heavy plant provider commitments.
6. Water Management: Given water as a limiting factor, what measures are being implemented to address this challenge?
Short-term: For the event, and its associated activities, we intend to use a water bowser and water storage tanks to sustain operations during the blitz.
Long-term: We are currently devising strategies to overcome water limitations, focusing on sustainable water management practices that align with the project’s objectives. For instance, construction of water harvesting and management features like swales, ponds, stories tanks, and sustainable regenerative agriculture practices like no-till and field ripping.
Q. Defining Self-Sufficiency: How is self-sufficiency defined within the context of this project, especially regarding off-grid living?
A detailed explanation of self-sufficiency within the context of this project is provided [here (link)]. Nonetheless, the Country Living blitz is designed, planned, and organized as a means to establish sustainable regenerative ecosystems that support all life. However, at the conclusion of the project, we are not promising delivery of a fully regenerative ecosystem; rather the blitz is designed to ignite the process of establishing such a system.
Q. Current Resources: What resources and infrastructures are already available for the project?
Available resources include a tractor with implements, a tipper truck, a flatbed truck, and three vehicles. Managing operational costs remains a concern, and additional resources are necessary for the project’s success. For more details, please [contact us].
Q. Navigating Engineering Challenges: What approaches are being taken to address engineering challenges within the framework of communal country living?
Our approach involves integrating traditional engineering solutions with sustainable practices suitable for communal living. More information will be provided as the project develops.
Q. Staffing for Health and Education Programs: What are the financial plans for compensating health workers and bible school instructors?
Compensation plans for facilitators and volunteers are in place, relying on funding from sponsors and other sources. Details can be found in the blitz Concept Note document.
Q. Project Scaling: Is there consideration for initiating a smaller-scale blitz with a streamlined team?
Yes, we have developed contingency measures and strategies for a smaller-scale version of the blitz, if necessary.
Q. Setting Clear Expectations: How are expectations being communicated and managed to ensure productive meetings and goal achievement?
Clear agendas guide our meetings and stakeholder engagements. We are committed to transparency, regularly reporting on all engagements and making them accessible on our website. The event objectives, agenda, and program are also available online.
Q. Physical Activities and Construction: What are the plans for physical activities like building raised beds?
Details about physical activities and construction plans are outlined in the project scope document.
Q. Funding: How exactly is this initiative funded?
The initiative is funded through a combination of donations, grants, and sponsorships from both local and international partners and donors. We are continuously exploring various funding avenues to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.
- Published in Blitz, Blitz Reports, Events, Governance Factors, Public Engagement, Reports
Eternal Foundation Gears Up for the Game-Changing Country Living Blitz with Expert Collaboration
In an unprecedented move, the Eternal Foundation unpacked its first-ever Country Living Blitz, setting up the stage with an orientation and workshop that was nothing short of a groundbreaking event. This initial gathering, a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to building capacity and gaining momentum, marked the unveiling of a concept that promises to trend-set sustainable living and community development.
Expert Validation and Collective Wisdom
On a crisp Saturday afternoon of August 12th, 2023, a diverse group of 32 subject matter experts, each boasting an impressive 10-20 years of experience in their respective fields, converged on the proposed blitz site. These experts, drawn from permaculture, agronomy, project management, ecology, zoology, public relations, communications, water engineering, farming consultancy, animal husbandry, environmental science, business analysis, financial analysis, drilling, geology, and event planning, lent their expertise to validate and enhance the concept of the Blitz.
The assembly included seasoned professionals from across Botswana, and local community leaders, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to ext nsive consultation, inclusivity and local engagement. This eclectic mix of minds was successful in recruiting advisors and support consultants, pooling together a wealth of knowledge and experience that is set to propel the project forward, and into new heights..
Strategic Advances Post-Orientation
The Blitz Orientation was a collaborative platform where invaluable input was shared and immediately woven into the project’s fabric. The recommendations and feedback, enthusiastically embraced by the team, laid out a clear path for the project’s evolution.
The expert feedback received was truly invaluable. Engineers emphasized considering participants’ physical fitness for intensive manual labor, ensuring safe and effective engagement. Agronomists and botanists provided crucial advice, cautioning against the initial plan to plant Kei Apple trees. They highlighted the potential for attracting wildlife to nearby farms, thereby increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts.
These insights from all focus groups revealed and underscored the vital importance of continuous engagement with subject matter experts in our future planning and execution.
Strategy Going Forward
The formation of focus groups proved to be a tactically advantageous action, as these groups would be critical for driving strategic objectives.
- Virtual Engagement: The focus groups established in the wake of the orientation are set to play a pivotal role. In a significant upcoming event, each group will present its findings and actionable steps during the site visit to Montana Farm in Polokwe on September 10th.
- Shared Online Folder: As a nod to the digital era’s efficiencies, an online shared folder has been created. This repository of essential project documents will ensure seamless access and information flow among participants (link-provided to members only).
- Specialised WhatsApp Focus Groups: In an innovative approach to operational planning and activity facilitation, expert focus groups have been formed. These groups not only align with the experts’ professional skills but also cater to their personal passions, ensuring a harmonious blend of professional acumen and heartfelt commitment.
Focus Groups Overview:
A Focus Group is a designated team or assembly of individuals with specific expertise, skills, and responsibilities, tasked with overseeing, managing, and executing a particular subset of activities or initiatives within the broader scope of the Blitz Event.
Each Focus Group operates under the guidance of a Team Leader and works in harmony with other groups to ensure the holistic success and integration of their specialised tasks into the overall event objectives.
- ET FOCUS – Ops, Comms & Logistics: This group ensures the smooth running of the event by coordinating all operational, communication, and logistical aspects. From PR to ICT and resource management, they connect internal and external teams. This is to ensure a flawless experience for all attendees.
- Oversee and manage operations, communications, and logistics tasks.
- Coordinate and synchronise Marketing, PR, ICT activities.
- Ensures resource organisation and liaison between internal and external teams.
- Facilitate regular meetings, updates, and brainstorming sessions.
- CLICK TO JOIN THE GROUP ON WHATSAPP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/GJlDVuIJpUH6703YfMq5hv)
- ET FOCUS – Engineering, Earthworks & Infrastructure: Tasked with the physical creation and maintenance of the event space. From swales, ponds, and trenches to energy setups and plumbing, they handle the foundational structures.
- Supervise and manage all engineering, earthwork, and infrastructure projects.
- Oversee trenching, construction, plumbing, solar, and other energy-related works.
Coordinate with external engineering entities when needed. - Regularly update the blitz committee on the progress and hurdles of the projects.
- CLICK TO JOIN THE GROUP ON WHATSAPP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/LugzwOlaQ2CKVxXHJUPo7Z)
- ET FOCUS – Biodiversity, Wildlife & Trees: Centres on the conservation and enhancement of the event’s environmental impact, promoting a harmonious balance with nature. Also investigates and r commends solutions for human wildlife conflicts resolution.
- Supervise and manage all biodiversity, range lands, wildlife, and forestry activities.
- Oversee projects related to habitats, micro-climates, watershed, fauna, flora, climate, and weather.
- Coordinate with environmental specialists and entities when required.
- Provide regular updates on the environmental impact of the projects.
- CLICK TO JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/F56NGtnhdG22AyVV3C94xB)
- ET FOCUS – Agriculture, Gardening & Food Production: Agricultural experts and Specialists for food production systems. They manage cropping plans, ensure sustainable food production, and oversee tree care, tree guilds, and food forests. This group emphasises sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing the green cover and promoting organic food production during the event. This group participates in post-event monitoring and evaluation acrivities.
- Manage and supervise agricultural, gardening, and food production projects.
- Oversee crop planning, tree care, cropping plans, and food forests.
- Ensure sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
- Provide regular updates on crop yields, food production, and sustainability initiatives.
- CLICK TO JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/F2WEWvPqXt9I1Go1RzDrta)
- ET FOCUS – Health, Safety & Environment: Encompassing naturopathy, wellness, environmental care, and emergency protocols. Responsible for Keeping everyone safe and healthy is their prime responsibility. This group oversees safety protocols, first-aid, sanitation, wellness, and environmental care.
- Oversee health, safety, first-aid, and environmental care aspects of the event.
- Ensure that safety protocols are in place and followed.
Coordinate with healthcare professionals for any wellness, first-aid, and emergency needs. - Oversee sanitation and security provisions for the event.
- CLICK TO JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/DP4eq0jVj3uBlE3BpQkiW7)
- ET FOCUS – Culinary Arts & Crafts: Tasked mainly with the responsibility of feeding everyone on the site. Also a creative outlet focusing on cooking, menu planning, and artistic recycling. A blend of taste and artistry, this group handles food planning, nutrition, and culinary arts. They also promote creative endeavours and recycling in the event space.
- Supervise and manage culinary, arts and crafts activities.
- Ensure nutritional, eco-friendly, and innovative food planning.
- Oversee creative recycling, food storage, and kitchen waste management initiatives.
- Coordinate with culinary specialists for any unique requirements.
- Organise , plan and create art or crafts for the site’s visual appeal or aesthetic improvement
- CLICK TO JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/GDO32nWWOidCdWtqRcUJKJ)
- ET FOCUS – Content & Support Material: Responsible for curating presentations, reference materials, and community engagement content. Aims at guiding the creation of content that enriches the Blitz experience for all attendees.
- Oversee learning content curation, presentations, and reference materials.
- Coordinate bible work and community canvassing.
Ensure all content is aligned with the Blitz’s ethos and guidelines. - Manage a team to provide real-time content support during the event.
- CLICK TO JOIN WHATSAPP GROUP (Link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/GWVEdPUTnHoGMaMKEmNNSr)
Each group, linked to a dedicated WhatsApp channel, promises to be a dynamic force in shaping the Country Living Blitz into a reality.
As the Eternal Foundation embarks on this ambitious journey, there’s an unmistakable air of excitement and anticipation. The foundation is is crafting a movement that stands to redefine community living and environmental stewardship. Stay tuned as this truly amazing endeavor truly amazing unfolds.
Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach… Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set… Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.
Gould E. White {COL 331,332}