Essential Resources for Community Empowerment
Our Story
Our Journey: The Story of Mosaico EuroAfricano (Claerio) –Claerio–
Mosaico EuroAfricano (MEA) embarked on its mission in 2004 with a modest preschool in the village of D’Kar, Botswana. Rooted in a commitment to early childhood education and community up-liftment, MEA has grown into a vibrant hub for education, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.
Initially, our focus was on creating a nurturing environment for local children. Over time, MEA evolved into a multi-faceted organization that addresses the interconnected challenges of education, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Through initiatives such as permaculture farming, aquaponics, and renewable energy projects, we work towards ensuring food security and environmental stewardship while empowering the local community.
Our Italian sister organization has been instrumental in helping MEA ship essential supplies, including clothing, school materials, and tools, from Europe to Botswana, bridging resource gaps and strengthening our international ties with donors and volunteers.
Volunteers have played a crucial role in our success, contributing their time, skills, and passion to support our projects. From educational resources to infrastructure development, their efforts continue to make a lasting impact on our mission.
Today, MEA is a thriving ecosystem of hope, balancing the demands of a growing preschool, sustainable agricultural initiatives, and the empowerment of the local community. We remain committed to our vision of building a self-sustaining future for D’Kar and beyond.
Introducing Claerio:
In our commitment to refine our identity and clarify the roles of our supporting organizations, we are re-branding from “Mosaico EuroAfricano“ to “Claerio”. This change reflects our deepening engagement in Botswana, where Claerio, originally the farmhouse from which “Paolo’s Preschool” began, now serves as a foundation for new initiatives. Alongside the preschool, Claerio is evolving to host a pilot shelter for GBV survivors and a community training center. Our goal with this re-branding is to create a clearer, unified message that resonates with our mission and reflects the broadened scope of our community-centered work.
The marketing strategy includes adapting our logo, simplifying the children’s facility name to “Paolo’s Preschool,” and producing updated materials like leaflets and brochures to share our message. A strengthened online presence will help us connect with more people, allowing us to better serve and empower local communities.
Paolo’s Preschool: A Community Hub of Education and Hope
The morning atmosphere at Paolo’s Preschool is filled with laughter, chatter, and singing, making every day an unforgettable experience. One hundred and ten children, aged three to six, are welcomed into our care, a stark contrast to the difficult backgrounds many of these children come from in the village of D’Kar. They are collected in the mornings and returned in the evenings, where they live in a community born out of the need to serve the San, the indigenous bushmen population of Botswana.
More than just a preschool, we aim to integrate sustainable practices into all aspects of our daily operations. Our efforts to reduce food expenses through sustainable farming, introduce regenerative farming concepts to our students, and support greener practices through construction and energy-saving initiatives all contribute to a more sustainable way of life.
At the educational level, we serve over 500 individuals—providing daily meals, clothing, and transportation to the clinic when needed. Our preschool operates until 4 p.m., offering parents and caretakers the opportunity to focus on household and professional tasks while their children receive quality care.
The Roots of Mosaico EuroAfricano
Founded by Mrs. Cecilia Lachat in Milan, Italy, Mosaico EuroAfricano ONLUS began as an organization focused on fundraising and supporting the preschool in D’Kar. Inspired by her work as a volunteer nurse in Zambia and Guinea, Cecilia dedicated her life to helping disadvantaged children, eventually establishing both an Italian non-profit and a separate Botswana entity in 2002.
The San Community and D’Kar Village
The San people, historically a nomadic culture, have faced immense challenges due to sedentary life imposed on them by the government. The village of D’Kar is home to many San, and education has been a key area where we strive to make a difference. With the government’s limited infrastructure and resources in rural areas, children often face obstacles to education, including language barriers and high dropout rates.
At MEA, we bridge this gap by providing free early childhood education to disadvantaged children in D’Kar, ensuring they have the foundation needed to succeed in life.
Our Educational Impact
Our preschool accommodates 110 children daily, providing them with two meals and snacks, as well as clothing and medical transport as needed. Classes are taught in both English and Setswana, helping prepare the children for primary school while incorporating interactive learning, art, music, and local traditions.
Fundraising and Support
MEA is funded through generous donations from individuals, companies, and strategic partnerships. Regular fundraising events in Italy, Switzerland, and the United States help sustain our operations in Botswana. We also collect and ship clothing, shoes, and school supplies from Europe, though the cost of shipping remains a significant challenge. We are continually exploring new ways to diversify funding and secure more local donations to ensure the future of our programs.
Our Vision for the Future
As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for the D’Kar community. Through education, community empowerment, and sustainable practices, MEA is working toward a self-sustaining future where opportunities are created and resources are preserved for generations to come. Our commitment to this vision is at the heart of everything we do, guided by the spirit of collaboration and the support of our dedicated volunteers and donors worldwide.