Ubuntu Hiking, a non-profit organisation in Jamestown, Stellenbosch, hosted a hike in Stellenbosch on Freedom Day (Saturday April 27) to bring awareness to the issue of child trafficking.
The NPO, dedicated to promoting outdoor activities, environmental education, empowering children and youth, fostering unity and community engagement attempts to achieve this through its various programs and initiatives. The hike was one of these initiatives.
The organisation says more than 60 children from four schools in the Stellenbosch area participated in the hike and the huge amount of participants made the hike, one of the largest combined hikes, organised by Ubuntu to date.
Mr Henny Carstens, Chairperson of Ubuntu Hiking, emphasised the importance of the event. He says: “Although we celebrate Freedom Day, the youth of today are not free because of child trafficking.”
The hike not only served as a platform to raise awareness but also provided the chance to share information with the participating pupils about the realities of child trafficking.
The hike was a collaborative effort between Ubuntu Hiking, the Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch-based NPO, Ranyaka Community Transformation and four local primary schools. Pupils from St Idas, Idas Valley, Cloetesville and Weber Gedenk took on the trails.
“What made this day even more special is the fact that the four principals of these schools are all from Jamestown – and yet, they represent communities from across Stellenbosch. We are incredibly proud of, and grateful for the way in which they mobilised the learners to participate in a hike for such a worthy cause,” said Ubuntu Hiking’s Clint September.
During the hike, participants were immersed in a blend of fun, learning, and awareness-building activities. Ubuntu Hiking facilitated an engaging excursion that included environmental education, basic mapping exercises, and first aid scenarios.
Additionally, the pupils found inspiration in the freedom offered by nature, where they could have conversations about the importance of safeguarding children’s rights.
“We came prepared with posters and school flags, ready to spread awareness,” said Mr Carstens as he further highlighted the reality of child trafficking existing and the need for children to be educated on this issue.
Ubuntu Hiking expressed gratitude to all the sponsors and collaborators who supported this initiative.
“Special thanks to the Stellenbosch Municipality, Ranyaka Community Transformation, the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, Chilled Beverages and private sponsors.
“As the hike concluded, participants left with a heightened sense of awareness and a shared determination to work towards a future where every child can enjoy the fundamental right to freedom and safety,” the NPO says.
