Travel For Impact bridges the gap between tourism and the local communities. Since 2014, Travel for Impact has made invaluable partnerships with safari companies throughout Northern Botswana. These organisations generously donate a portion of their revenue to Travel for Impact through the Bed Night Bank, and/or the 1USD per Bed Night fund. These donations are directly reallocated to community partners and other community projects. Its main areas of support are conservation, youth, culture & heritage, and women.
Projects include AGLOW-POLOKONG, an organisation which aims to make a difference in the lives of Maun’s disadvantaged elderly, ensuring that they are properly fed, clothed and safely housed. Support workers visit the elderly with meals as well as to help with bathing and cleaning. AGLOW-POLOKONG has made strides in supporting the destitute elderly in Maun when they have no means or family members to support their long-term care. Not only do support workers help with household and personal care, but they also take the elderly to and from clinics and encourage stronger relationships with their relatives.
Bana Ba Letsatsi (BBL), provides support, guidance and hope to the increasing number of vulnerable children in Maun. BBL ensures children have access to basic material needs such as clothes, shoes and meals as well as emotional support through counselling. The aim is to rehabilitate children through educational and recreational programmes, helping them to grow into functional members of society.
"Travel for Impact aims to bridge the gap between the tourism sector and social welfare, creating a space for travel partners, as well as visitors to make positive change through travel."
Crafthood provides a platform and creates economic opportunities for women throughout Ngamiland. Crafthood aims to support weavers, through product development and quality control, in establishing independent livelihoods by using the age-old tradition of weaving, while at the same time, preserving Batswana’s rich culture and heritage.
Maun Animal Welfare Society (MAWS) works to protect Botswana’s wildlife through domestic animal care. The organization provides free veterinary services to low-income villagers in remote areas across the country. In addition, they also reunite and rehabilitate lost, found, and stray animals.
Women Against Rape (WAR) was established in 1993 in response to violence against women and children in the district of Ngamiland. WAR’s strategies are geared at addressing the social issues that contribute to the abuse of women and children by offering counselling, shelter, public education, advocacy, lobbying and economic skills empowerment. WAR has been an active voice for over 20 years and is the leader in Northern Botswana’s fight against gender-based violence.
Other projects Travel for Impact is involved with include Community Bus, Herbarium, Khumaga Primary School, Tsodilo Secondary School and Leaders for the Future.
How can you engage with Travel for Impact?
There are plenty of opportunities to support an organisation of interest to you and join in with their activities. Perhaps you might wish to spend time with one of Maun’s master weavers and learn the unique skill of basketry. Or opt to support vulnerable children, elderly people, or help out in an animal clinic. Another option would be to visit a traditional Hambukushu homestead to understand the Hambukushu culture. If required, a translator will accompany you on these trips.
