Story by Providence Maraneli
FOR more than 20 underprivileged children in Umzingwane, Christmas arrived early this year, thanks to a domestic tourism initiative organised by the Matabeleland South Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
Children drawn from Sacred Heart Children’s Home and surrounding communities were treated to a special excursion to Chipangali Wildlife Sanctuary, offering many of them a first-time experience of seeing wildlife outside textbooks and television screens.
The trip, designed to ensure that vulnerable children are not excluded from festive season celebrations, combined leisure, learning and social interaction, while reinforcing the message of inclusion and shared community responsibility.
“I am happy that I got to see animals and meet other children,” one of the beneficiaries said.
“I saw animals that we usually only see in books,” another child added.
Caregivers and social workers accompanying the children said the experience went beyond entertainment, helping to affirm the children’s sense of belonging and self-worth.
“This makes the children feel loved and recognised by society,” said Sacred Heart Children’s Home representative, Ms Melisa Musekiwa.
“For them, this was a dream come true. They had time to socialise, learn and simply enjoy being children,” social worker Ms Pretty Maphosa noted.
In addition to the educational tour, the children also received Christmas hampers, further adding to the festive spirit of the day.
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, said the initiative was driven by a desire to ensure that no child feels forgotten during the festive season.
“Everyone is running around preparing for Christmas with their families, but we thought we would come here and be with the children so they do not feel like they are not part of this community. This is a small gesture, but one that carries deep meaning,” he said.
The initiative reflects broader government efforts to promote domestic tourism, social inclusion and child welfare, particularly among vulnerable groups, during national celebrations.
