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University of Botswana (UB) Medical Students from the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health embarked on a Public Health Fieldwork in and around Serowe Communities as well as at SOS Children’s Village. The undertaking held from the 15th – 20th June 2025 sought to give students  a community-based learning experience which forms part of the second-year curriculum. This fieldwork was designed to immerse students in real-world environments to observe, identify, and analyse the social determinants of health affecting local populations.

Through structured community engagement, the students gathered data on factors such as housing, education, employment, access to healthcare services, environmental conditions, and cultural practices, which all contribute significantly to health outcomes. The goal of the assignment was to encourage students to critically assess these determinants, propose feasible interventions tailored to community-specific needs, and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the Botswana health system in addressing these challenges. This practical experience served not only as an academic exercise but also as a foundation for cultivating future healthcare professionals equipped with a deep understanding of public health and community medicine within the national context.

In conclusion, the community-based outreach provided a valuable opportunity for experiential learning as well as demonstration of anthropological spirit and civic where medical students contributed and donated some essential consumables to the the children and staff of the SOS Village [social responsibility]. Clearly, this act of giving underscored the importance of empathy and community partnership in public health practice.