December is the festive season and, for most people, it’s a time to celebrate with friends, families and colleagues. That’s why, as part of giving back to our local community, Under One Botswana Sky throws a Christmas party every year for orphans, vulnerable children as well as those with physical and mental disabilities.
This year, Chobe Safari Lodge was the place to be as we celebrated the 9th Annual Christmas Party in a special way. This year, 220 children, 60 caregivers, 20 staff volunteers and 20 attachment trainees celebrated with Santa on a three-hour cruise along the Chobe River. From the river, they were escorted to the camp site where entertainment and lunch was served. As the day came to a close, the children were treated with goodie bags and handballs, before they went home dancing with joy!
This initiative started in 2009 in collaboration with organisations such as Red Cross Orphanage, Orphans from Chobe District Council, Children’s Ark, Metlayabofelo and Kachikau Special Unit Primary School. In 2013, we officially adopted the Kachikau Special Unit and are both privileged and proud to be part of this important organisation. Also at the event were representatives from the Chobe Regional Education, Social Work Department, District Commissioners Office, Fire Department, among various other stakeholders who had donated supplies and gifts for the event.
We believe in promoting a country of compassionate, just and caring people, which is why we throw this party to demonstrate genuine care and love to these children. Through this, we aim to help dispel the stigma that society has towards those who have disabilities as well as stressing that financial aid is not the only thing that children need that heart-felt affection goes a long way too.
Next year, it will be the 10th Annual Christmas Party held by Under One Botswana Sky and we intend to continue this tradition for many years to come.
