Howzit Inkwazi Adventures Community,
As we continue to live through what seems a never-ending pandemic, it can often be hard to find positive moments. However, a lot of goodness is still taking place amongst what seems like ongoing devastation. In fact, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been encouraged to reset, reflect and reconnect with what is important in life.
I would like to share with you a recent amazing experience - #RESET2021 - when eight adventurers embarked on a 6-day adventure that changed the lives of 50 students and provided the adventurers the time to reset, reflect and reconnect.
Grab a coffee or tea, and enjoy as I share some of my favourite memories...
The RESET - #BIKES4ERP
To appreciate how much we have, we often need to step out to understand how little others may have. This was the first part of our #RESET2021 adventure, as our eight adventurers joined the #BIKES4ERP team to personally deliver 50 bicycles to school students, giving them easier and better access to education. The bicycle drop took place in the town of Mankgodi, which is about a 5-hour drive north of Pretoria.
The Inkwazi Adventurers and #BIKES4ERP volunteers had to assemble the 50 sponsored bicycles, out of the box, as the students started arriving with excitement.
Each student received a goodie bag with a helmet, toolkit and bicycle lock.
The students waited patiently, with bottled-up excitement about the anticipation of receiving their very own brand new bicycle, while speeches were made by some of the dignitaries and the mechanic who plays a vital role in looking after the bicycles. Nicolai, one of the #BIKES4ERP founding members, also advised the students about the important rules: "No helmet. No ride."
Then that moment everyone had been waiting for. Changing lives, one adventure at a time!
That day, the lives of 50 students changed forever. Just think about it, today those 50 students have easier and better access to school, are more likely to finish school and therefore are better set up for the future.
A special thank you to all our supporters for your generous donations.
The REFLECT - #HikingSafari
The next part of the #RESET2021 adventure was to embark on a 4-day Hiking Safari in the Greater Kruger Park. The is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from daily (digital) distractions, and have space and time to reflect while being immersed in the unique South African wilderness.
The eight Inkwazi Adventurers were immersed in the bushveld for four days and three nights, carrying everything with them, completely disconnected from the digital world. You will be amazed how this experience reminds us of how little we really need, and how resourceful we all can be.
The bush offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on your life. Whether you are sitting alone watching the sunset...
...or enjoying the cool water of the river with friends.
A sure highlight was sleeping under the stars and listening to the sounds of the bushveld (calls of jackals, hyenas, lions, nightjars and owls).
The Adventurers walked in open grasslands...
...through riverbeds...
...through the thick stuff...
...and along the river. They walked and walked while taking it all in.
The Adventurers were completely disconnected from technology: no phones and no laptops. In the evening they sat around enjoying the bushveld television (campfire).
Another definite highlight was getting as close as 40 meters from four bull elephants after they crossed the river... a truly immersive experience.
The #RESET2021 adventure was a huge success. Our Inkwazi Adventurers changed the lives of 50 students, while also resetting and reflecting on their lives in the bushveld, and coming back to reconnect with what is important in life. Thank you once again for supporting our #BIKES4ERP fundraiser and for being part of #RESET2021.
Here is a short video of #RESET2021 to give you a taste of what happened on this special adventure.
Inkwazi Adventure Community, while we continue to live through this pandemic we hope and pray that you, your family and your friends will stay safe and healthy. During the lockdowns, confusion and sometimes fear, be sure that there is still some good happening. At Inkwazi Adventures, we continue to adapt and adjust to ensure we can continue changing lives, one adventure at a time.
Cheers!
Cornel van Onselen
Inkwazi Adventures Leader