Based in Maun, Sekgoma Primary is a school of 700 pupils from pre-school to senior school. Money is scarce and life is harsh with education providing a vital way out of the poverty cycle. Sekgoma Primary and Safari Destinations have been partners for close to 5 years now, as part of the Botswana government “Adopt a School” program. Support has included assisting with the setup of their IT infrastructure, building a jungle gym for the primary school children, assisting with the establishment of their library and funding of prize giving initiatives to encourage students to work hard. This year, we will partner with a local company called Kalahari Kanvas, providing a tent for much needed classroom space.

Based in Maun, Bana ba Letsatsi (BBL) provides critical care for vulnerable children and orphans who are likely to have experienced one or more of the following: suffered sexual or physical abuse; subjected to parental neglect; having dropped out of school at a very early age; who are abusing drugs; having resorted to begging in order to feed themselves; or being made to work in order to bring money into the home. Supporting up to 250 children, the centre provides education and skills training, as well as daily meals, clothes, transport, medical care, stationery and toiletries. As these children have experienced trauma, counselling is also provided. Every child is assessed when initially referred to BBL and then closely monitoring throughout their time with the centre. This includes home visits with a focus on the rehabilitation of the family. Ultimately the goal is to facilitate reintegration of the child back into a formal school environment. Safari Destinations has partnered with BBL for more than 10 years, providing money for counsellor salaries and food as well as a bus for transportation of children to the school each morning. Our staff donate their time to run mentoring programmes and organise fun events like the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas party.

Women Against Rape (WAR) is an organization that primarily supports abused women and children, addressing the issues that contribute to their abuse. Their services also extend to men in need of assistance. A key part of this support is to run one of the very few safe houses for women and children in Maun, Botswana. Safari Destinations has partnered with WAR for over 10 years, providing money for the employment of the Shelter Matron and counsellors as well as towards the running of the shelter. Staff projects have included painting and refurbishing of their reception area, creating a garden at their office, painting of the safe house, clearing and cleaning of the property at the safe house and more recently, helping the house to plant a vegetable garden.