Dynamite comes in small packages. If this is a jaded expression, it still seamlessly fits the way Lillian Moremi of Ducere Foundation describes herself. Her petite frame belies a larger-than-life persona. Moremi is about to embark on what to most mere mortals would be mission impossible, an expedition to explore one of the coldest parts of the world.
“It’s an exhilarating, unpredictable adventure,” she says of her looming visit to the Antarctic in the South Pole.
Moremi will join a team for this year’s International Antarctic Expedition, an annual event. A sojourn to Antarctica is a once in a life time opportunity that will enhance the leadership skills of and greatly benefit this intrepid environmentalist.
She becomes the first Motswana to join the team led by international environmentalist, Robert Swan, the first man to walk both the North and South Poles. Swan is also the founder of a company solely mandated to preserve the Antarctic.  
Moremi hopes to tap into Swan’s vast experience and that of the other leaders who will be going on the expedition. She wants to hear about global environmental preservation from different perspectives. And from different players in the economy, she wants to learn about the roles they play.┬á
On this 14-day excursion, participants will be educated on environmental issues as well as leadership, teamwork and action. These are perceived as a foundation for creating ‘committed global educational and environmental ambassadors’. As part of a youth organisation involved in a lot motivational and inspirational work for young still in school, the journey to Antarctica will come in handy for Moremi.
“This expedition will create a platform to discuss international environmental issues affecting respective countries expected to take part,” she explains. “We hope to decipher working solution to help preserve the environment.”
Moremi says she is keen to gain a lot of knowledge to come back home and share with the various local youth groups she is involved with.  On the heels of the Antarctic expedition, she
will embark on a nationwide tour to build local knowledge on environmental issues in conjunction with instilling leadership skills in the youth at a tender age.
Prior to tactual departure, Moremi will head for Cape Town, where she will be kitted with a whole new wardrobe comprising specialised clothing specifically designed for the sub zero temperatures she will be living under for two weeks. The South Pole can experience temperatures as low as between -42 and -57 degrees Celsius during this time of the year.
From Cape Town, Lillian is set to proceed through Buenos Aires, the capital City of Argentina to Ushaia, Argentina, which is the most Southern city in the world to join the rest of team. The team will meet, stock up at Ushuaia on the third day hike up the Martial Glacier on a mountain in the city. The next day they will depart by sea to the Antarctic.
While at sea the team will pass through various landmarks like the Drake Passage where they will be lectured on their history and significance. The team will arrive at the Antarctic Peninsula where they are scheduled to explore as far as the weather and ice conditions allow them. 
In the following five days, they will visit and learn about the Curverville Island, Neko Harbour, Paradise Habour, King George Island and Lemarie Channel all located in and around the Antarctic area. Those willing will be afforded an opportunity to go on an overnight camping expedition on the Antarctic Ice for them to get the full Antarctic experience. The team will return to Ushuaia where they will disembark and return to their respective countries.
Upon her return, Moremi hopes to write a book on her adventures in the frozen areas. She perceives this expedition to have a relevant impact on the future generations focusing on motivation, teamwork, leadership and personal development. Alongside the book, Lillian also intends to form a coalition with schools across the country and the continent to encourage them to start environmental projects in their communities in a way grooming them to become leaders as well.  
     
Environmental preservation is very close to Moremi’s heart and she wants to ensure that Botswana’s environment is well taken care of as it is a legacy for future generations. She further explains that she works very closely with departments in the Ministry of Environment Wildlife and Tourism to make comprehensible reports to the public regarding environmental issues concerning Botswana. Poaching and pollution are some of them.
An accountant by profession, Moremi is the Coordinator of Ducere Foundation, an international organisation established for grooming future leaders from the grass roots. “We use a method which leverages the experience knowledge, passion and resilience of the world’s foremost corporate and political leaders,” she says. ┬á┬á
Other than anxiety about the cold weather, Moremi Lillian seems pretty confident about the impending trip and currently has no reservations about it. She is confident that God will protect her during her expedition. She owes this state of mind to the vigorous research she made by watching videos of the Antarctic. Moreover, she has undergone the medical exams to ensure she is physically ready to take on the challenge which will include days of hiking up mountains. Her family she says is extremely pleased about this achievement since she will not only be representing the family but the nation as a whole.
Through research networking and active participation in community development, Moremi believes the youth can also be a part of this remarkable experience and encourages them to be constantly out there finding new ways of contributing to society and even volunteering their time towards worthy causes.
Lillian lives by the words of the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela who said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
She describes education as her passion. She is also passionate about giving back to the community and putting effort in helping people who are less privileged.
