Michelle Obama arrives in Botswana

[June 24, 2011]  GABORONE, Botswana (AP) -- Michelle Obama on Friday began the second leg of her weeklong visit to Africa by wielding a brush to help paint a mural at a clinic that treats HIV/AIDS-infected children.

The disease is a major public health challenge in Botswana, a country of 2 million people, including about 300,000 HIV/AIDS carriers.

The first lady is promoting health and wellness on her visit, with a special emphasis on AIDS prevention.

Her first stop upon arrival was at the clinic in the capital of Gaborone that is sponsored by Baylor University. The clinic serves 4,000 children and their families.

Mrs. Obama and family members traveling with her helped paint a mural on the wall of a new facility under construction.

The first lady then headed to lunch with women leaders from different generations.

She also planned a brief drop-in on President Ian Khama before taking the family to dinner at a nature park.

Mrs. Obama flew to Botswana from Cape Town, South Africa, on Friday morning. She, her daughters Malia, 12, and Sasha, 10, were welcomed with a performance of traditional African dances performed a group of children ages 6 to 18. The children wore traditional costumes of hide and what looked like zebra skin and shells around their ankles. They clapped and sang, "Obama Ye-Le-Le."

She also greeted a separate group of children waving the American flag and the blue and black flag of Botswana.

The first lady's mission began last Monday in South Africa. She returns Monday to the White House.

Mrs. Obama had dinner Thursday in Cape Town with her friend, media mogul Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey was in South Africa to accept an honorary degree from the University of the Free State.

[Associated Press; By DARLENE SUPERVILLE]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.