In December 2024, 215 children graduated from all Learn to Play playgroups across Botswana — what a milestone! We were privileged to attend the celebrations in Kavimba, a small village in the Chobe Enclave, about a one-hour drive from Chobe Safari Lodge.

Congratulations to all our little graduates on this incredible achievement. This moment celebrates the power of play and the bright futures it helps build. We are so proud to be part of their journey!

What is Learn To Play?

In Botswana, 76% of children under the age of five do not have access to critical early learning. 84% of children are born into single-women households, half of which are grappling with poverty, further exacerbating the problem. Learn to Play seeks to reverse this by making high-quality early childhood education sustainable and accessible for remote communities.

Ithute Go Tshameka, as it is called in Setswana, is a social enterprise playgroup model that transforms childhoods, uplifts women’s economic opportunities, and builds vibrant villages. Local mothers, or maatla mamas, are trained to lead enriching play environments and supported as they establish community playgroups. Derived from Setswana, maatla encapsulates the essence of strength, resilience, and power. Learn to Play’s high-impact curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be contextually relevant and prioritises using locally available materials.

Here at Chobe Safari Lodge, we facilitate Learn to Play’s expansion in northern Botswana, unlocking early childhood education across the Makgadikgadi, Okavango Delta, and Chobe regions. 

How? We provide funding, coordination support, and links to the immediate communities. Chobe Safari Lodge currently supports playgroups in Kavimba and Pandamentenga, and we aim to reach new communities every year.

This is how one Maatla Mama, Mulela, is rewriting her family story

In the quiet village of Kavimba, where the Chobe River winds through lush landscapes, Mulela Bahiti’s life unfolds as a story of determination and hope. A single mother of six and a grandmother at 40, Mulela embodies a resilience that challenges the cyclical struggles of poverty and limited opportunities faced by many women in Botswana.

When Mulela joined LTP in January 2019, her life was defined by financial strain. Like many women in Botswana — 84% of whom are raising children alone — she had limited access to stable employment. Today, she credits LTP not only with easing her financial burdens but also with opening doors she hadn’t thought possible.

Breaking the Cycle

One of Mulela’s most notable achievements has been supporting her second-born daughter’s education. Her daughter is now studying nursing at Boitekanelo College in Gaborone, becoming the first in the family to attend university. While education is free, related costs—transport, accommodation, and study materials—remain a significant barrier. Through her work with LTP, Mulela has been able to cover these expenses, ensuring her daughter stays in school.

“I’m saving for a laptop for her studies,” she says, acknowledging the importance of even small investments in education. 

In addition to raising her children, Mulela became a grandmother at 40 when her third-born daughter had a baby at 19. The dual roles of mother and grandmother have added complexity to Mulela’s responsibilities, but she approaches them with resilience. “LTP has helped me pay off loans and provide groceries for the month,” she explains. “A lot has changed, and I’m hopeful my children will grow up to support me one day.”

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Mulela’s experience is not unique; it highlights broader challenges faced by women in Botswana. Single mothers often bear the brunt of financial and caregiving responsibilities, with limited access to resources or employment opportunities. Programmes like LTP are pivotal in breaking cycles of poverty by offering training, stipends, and a supportive network that enables women to take control of their circumstances.

Mulela’s journey reflects the transformative potential of uplifting women through work and education. With one child on the path to a stable career and others still in school, she sees a future where her family’s challenges are met with the resilience she’s cultivated through hard work and community support.