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8:50 a.m.

Visit to the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB)

Their Excellencies, joined by the Honourable Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, will visit the DTCB and see first-hand how rough diamonds arriving from the mines are sorted into different categories according to their size, shape, quality and colour.

Since the early 1980s, Botswana has been the world's largest producer of gem diamonds. DTCB is a 50/50 joint venture partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and the De Beers Family of Companies. It is known as the world's largest and most sophisticated rough diamond sorting and valuing operation. For more information, visit www.dtcb.co.bw/index.php.

Diamond Trading Company Botswana

OPEN TO MEDIA

10:15 a.m.

Visit to the Tebelopele HIV Testing and Counselling Centre by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston

The prevalence of HIV among adults (aged 15 to 49) in Botswana is estimated to be 25 per cent. Her Excellency Sharon Johnston will visit Tebelopele, a local HIV testing and counselling clinic that administers rapid testing to over 2 000 patients on a monthly basis and offers counselling services to HIV patients and their families. It also runs an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging people to reduce their risks of contracting HIV.

Tebelopele HIV Testing and Counselling Centre

OPEN TO MEDIA

10:30 a.m.

Courtesy Call with the Commander of the Botswana Defence Force

His Excellency will meet with Lieutenant General Gaolathe Galebotswe, Commander of the Botswana Defence Force.

Botswana Defence Force Staff College

PHOTO OP-At the beginning of the meeting.

10:45 a.m.

Visit to the Botswana Defence Force Staff College and Address to Students

As commander-in-chief of Canada, His Excellency will visit the facility to see how Canada and Botswana have developed strong defence relations through Canada's Military Training and Co-operation Program. Many senior members of the Botswana Defence Force have been trained in Canada. In turn, Botswana will deliver Canadian-designed peacekeeping programs to other countries in the region.

Following the visit, His Excellency will address students and college staff on the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Botswana, as well as highlight Canada's excellence in training and capacity building.

Auditorium, Botswana Defence Force Staff College

OPEN TO MEDIA

12:30 p.m.

State Luncheon Hosted by the Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana

Dr. Ponatshego P. H. K. Kedikilwe, Vice-President of the Republic of Botswana, will host a State luncheon in honour of Their Excellencies' visit to the country.

Tsodila A Room, Gaborone International Convention Centre

OPEN TO MEDIA-Speeches only

3:30 p.m.

Visit to Stepping Stones International by Her Excellency Sharon Johnston

Her Excellency will meet with Canadians from World University Services Canada (WUSC) who volunteer at the centre. She will also have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities and engage with youth who benefit from the program.

The goal of Stepping Stones International is to unlock the potential of orphaned and vulnerable adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years by nurturing their mental, physical and emotional well-being, and by creating attainable opportunities for them to become self-sufficient. The centre received funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the Canadian-based Stephen Lewis Foundation, which works with grassroots organizations to turn the tide on HIV/AIDS in Africa. The program was designed with input from community members, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Education and the District Multi-sectoral AIDS Committee. For more information, visit www.steppingstonesintl.org/newsite/ and http://stephenlewisfoundation.org/index.cfm.