The 22nd of December Daktari received its first mixed group of International and local children. Ten of them, from Holland, had booked for two weeks at Daktari. The money they paid also covered the cost of inviting ten local underprivileged children from the Sekoro area to stay at the reserve with them. We had been very excited to see how the children were going to mix, but we must say that it exceeded all our expectations. During their stay, the children were involved in all aspects the reserve, from bush clearing and road maintenance to feeding the animals, making dinner.

 

However, they also received lectures on tracking, flora and fauna, conservation, animals and the environment, which were later used in the bush, to track animals and learn about the trees and grass. Christmas Eve at Daktari was celebrated with a big party, which included an original Sangoma ritual performed by our own staff member, Josephina. Traditional dances from both countries then took place, and they were al showing off with their colorful costumes. This was followed by the exchange of Christmas gifts which the children had made for each other. We even had the pleasure of being visited by a Dutch Father Christmas!

 

However, it was not only two weeks of work for the children. They also had the pleasure of going to the Kruger National Park, experiencing a boat cruise on the Swdini Dam, doing a game drive at Edeni Game Reserve, and visiting the Khamai Snake Park. These were experiences which they all found to be very interesting and educational. We would like to thank the Kruger National Park, the Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre, Edeni Game Reserve, and Khamai Reptile Park very much for their sponsorship towards the children.

 

The children from Holland have also been invited to spend a full say with the family of their South African partner to better understand their culture. This experience was followed by a soccer match at the local school where they also could give to the headmaster the benefit of their own fundraising such as pens, books, dictionaries, educational maps, basket balls and radio cassettes. Thanks to the Dutch community for their effort and generosity.

 

New Years Eve was also celebrated with the big party. The children had arranged entertainment for the night. The local children had been very busy teaching the Dutch children the South African anthem. The performance was wonderful and brought tears to our eyes! The singing was followed by more national dances, and they finalized their show with a little party about Daktari and the work we do here. It was funny and touching for us all. This night was ended with fireworks. New Years Eve this year was a bit different than the usual in that we had to celebrate it twice, because of the difference in time between Holland and South Africa.

 

It has been two incredible weeks for everybody and it had showed the positive effects of maxing people of different race, believes and cultures. All in all, it ha been a great success and many new friendships have been born at Daktari during the two weeks.

 

We are looking forward to welcome other groups of children to stay with us at Daktari.