“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley
When we mobilize, collaborate, and partner together we create a powerful impact. Over the past two months, the African Bush Camps Foundation has hosted a series of inspiring community and school events across Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to empower students through sports and education, raise community awareness on conservation, and generate funds for drought relief in our National Parks. Here are the highlights of our efforts.
CECT Sports Tournament in Chobe
The annual Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT) Sports Tournament, held in Chobe, Botswana, is a vibrant event that unites students from the five schools in the CECT region for a day of exciting sports activities. This year, on June 14th, 150 students participated in the netball and soccer tournaments at Parakarungu Primary School. Congratulations to Mabele and Satau Schools, crowned champions for 2024! Every participant received a sports kit, a medal, and a stationery pack. This tournament serves as an inspiration to the youth in Botswana, showcasing the power of sports and community.
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors – FNB Botswana, MRI, Bomaid, and Chobe Foods – for their generous support. We were thrilled to collaborate with Vuche Vuche Basket Weaving, a local project we proudly support, who also prepared and served meals for the guests and students.
Active Day
Our African Bush Camps staff and guests recently took part in Active Day, an annual in-camp initiative that takes place across all our Experiences. Active Day is organized by the African Bush Camps Foundation to support our community and conservation projects in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This year, guests enjoyed a fun-filled safari sports day that included nature walks, traditional dancing, bush runs, and volleyball, all while learning about our Foundation’s impactful work. We are delighted to announce that we successfully raised over $24,000 for our projects.
These funds will be dedicated to empowering the communities and wildlife areas around our Experiences. Namely:
- Renovating the school hostel for students at Kachikau Primary School Disability Unit.
- Building and erecting 10 lion bomas in Mola to protect livestock from predators.
- Completing the construction of the teachers’ accommodation at Maunga Primary School.
We are very grateful to everyone who participated in and contributed to Active Day 2024.
Green Day in Maunga Village
The African Bush Camps Foundation also hosted Green Day on the 19th of June in Maunga Village to promote environmental stewardship and community empowerment. The event had two main objectives:
- Educate and empower the community on key conservation issues, such as peacefully coexisting with wildlife, reducing litter, and recycling.
- Restore the landscape around Maunga Village by planting 200 trees in a single day.
During Green Day, we engaged 600 learners and adults from the community, planted 200 new trees, collected litter, and donated additional garbage bins to the village.
Running for Change: The Victoria Falls Marathon
Congratulations to Francois Barnard, our Chief Conservation Officer, and Koinonia Baloyi, our Foundation’s Communications and Fundraising Officer, for completing a 21 KM run to support our drought relief efforts. They took on this challenge to raise $21,000 to aid our communities and National Parks in Zambia and Zimbabwe to help combat the devastating drought.
These funds will be used to drill, install, and renovate boreholes at the community garden in Maunga Village near Thorntree and Mambanje near Somalisa, ensuring an adequate water supply for the community and their crops. Additionally, the funds will support our efforts to increase the water supply at wildlife watering holes in the National Parks where we operate.
Wrapping up: CECT Sports Tournament, Active Day, Green Day, and the Victoria Falls Marathon
The past two months have demonstrated the powerful impact of community. From the CECT Sports Tournament to Active Day and Green Day, the African Bush Camps Foundation has made important strides in empowering communities, promoting conservation, and addressing critical needs in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, partners, staff, and participants for their unwavering support. Together, we are fostering a sustainable future for our heartlands. We remain committed to our mission and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to make a positive difference.
Thank you for Sharing and Conserving Africa, Together.
