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    PURE Award for Community Engagement 2015
    Accommodation

    Vumbura Plains

    If you are choosing to Pack for a Purpose and bring supplies for the projects listed on this page, it is essential that you contact your tour provider or safari camp. They can provide you with the important changes to the customs regulations currently in place in Botswana. These changes may impact your donation process. At Pack for a Purpose, we want to ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible, as we are grateful for your generous hearts and the desire to give back to the communities you visit.

    Project

    Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is an environmental and life skills education program focusing on the next generation of rural decision makers. It is the grass roots initiative of Wilderness and one of the few programs aimed at bridging the divide that exists between communities and wildlife.

    The program hosts rural children living alongside Africa’s Parks and Reserves, teaching them the importance of conservation and inspiring them to care for their natural heritage so they become custodians of these areas in the future. CITW helps build and strengthen these children’s capabilities to cope with life’s challenges and develops their life skills to realise their greatest potential.

    The programme is hosted through Eco-Clubs in the local schools and rewards their dedication and commitment with participation in annual CITW camps at Wilderness camps. The local teachers receive ongoing training for the CITW Eco-Club curriculum which complements the national environmental education syllabus.

    An asterisk (*) before an item indicates this item is most urgently needed.

    Needs

    General School Supplies:
    Book Bags, *College-Ruled Paper, *Colored Pencils, Dry-Erase Markers, *Erasers, *Glue Sticks, *Handheld *Pencil Sharpeners, *Markers, *Pencils, *Pencil Cases/Bags, *Pens, *Rulers, and *Solar Lantern Lights

    Wall Charts:
    (English) Laminated World Maps

    Text/Reading Books:
    (English) Children’s Story Books

    Art Supplies:
    Acrylic Brushes and Paints, Beads for Bead Work, and Craft Scissors

    Computer Hardware/Software:
    Mobile Phones, *Solar-Powered Working Laptops, Tablets, and Working Laptops

    Sports/Outdoor Activity:
    Inflation Pumps, Netball/Basketballs, Soccer Balls, and Whistles

    Clothing/Shoes:
    *New Underwear (for Boys and Girls ages 12, 13 and 14 years old)

    Health/Personal Grooming:
    *Deodorant, *Face Cloths, *Soap, *Toothbrushes, and *Toothpaste

    Office Supplies:
    Printer Paper and Scissors

    Initiatives Supported

    All the needs are current as of March 20, 2024
    Note: Location is approximated. If you see a lodging that is misplaced or missing, please contact us .
    Vumbura Plains

    Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.

    Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
    • Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
    • The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.

    Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.