Inside SOS Children’s Village

Written by: Ayaan Taddese

April 4, 2023

Hello again! Today was an emotional rollercoaster for all of us. We started our day early, waking up at 5:45 to embark on a game drive. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience to see the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. We saw a lot of impalas, elephants, a hippo, and several species of birds. The landscape was stunning, and we were able to take in the beauty of the local vegetation.

During our game drive, we stopped for breakfast where we enjoyed a delicious spread of sandwiches, sausages, muffins, coffee, and cookies. We were all amazed by the natural beauty surrounding us, and this experience was a perfect way to wrap up our trip in the bush.

After breakfast, we made our way to the airport and took a flight to Maun, on our way to Gaborone. Upon arriving in Gaborone, we headed back to the Aquarian Tide Hotel, where we initially started our trip. We had lunch and then headed to SOS Children's Village to spend time with the kids there. This was an incredible opportunity to bond with the children and give back to the community.

Ruth, Carter, and Deniz's efforts to organize a sports day for the kids in the orphanage proved to be a big hit. They made sure to incorporate a variety of activities that would cater to all age groups, ensuring that everyone had an enjoyable time. The soccer game was particularly exciting, with the kids displaying impressive skills and teamwork. The sack race and water balloon games were also a hit, as they provided an opportunity for the kids to release some energy and engage in friendly competition. Additionally, the tie-dye activity proved to be a creative outlet for the kids, who were able to express themselves through unique designs on their t-shirts.

Meanwhile, Claudia, Luna, Ayaan, and William organized a range of activities for the younger kids. Their creativity and enthusiasm was contagious, as they helped the kids to make bracelets, create artwork, and solve puzzles. The bracelet-making station was particularly popular, with the kids selecting different colors and patterns to make their own unique designs. The drawing activity allowed the kids to showcase their artistic talents, with some creating stunning pictures that would put many adults to shame. The puzzle game was also a hit, with the kids working together to solve challenging puzzles and enjoying the sense of accomplishment that came with completing them. Overall, the day was filled with laughter, fun, and creativity, providing a much-needed break from the daily routine of the orphanage.

After the sports day and various activities, we decided to end the day with a barbecue. It was a great opportunity for everyone to relax and reflect on the day's events. We chatted and laughed over food, drinks, and music.The atmosphere was lively and joyful, and it was clear that everyone was enjoying themselves. The barbecue allowed us to not only celebrate the successes of the day but also to appreciate the small moments of joy and camaraderie that had been woven throughout the trip. It was a perfect way to end the day and to cap off an amazing experience that had brought us all closer together.

After the activities, we returned to the hotel where we had a chance to swim and enjoy the last few moments of our trip. We held a meeting where we debriefed and shared our mixed emotions about this experience. Some of us were sad to leave, while others were excited to return home and implement what we learned during our trip. We were all grateful for the opportunity to connect with the local community, learn about the culture, and gain a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

In conclusion, this trip was a life-changing experience for all of us, and we're grateful to have been a part of it. It was an opportunity to step outside of our comfort zones, learn new things, and gain a different perspective on life. We are excited to continue our journey of growth and service back in Barcelona, and we encourage others to get involved in meaningful ways as well. Thank you for following along on this adventure with us!