A student studying under a solar-powered light, part of the Village Lights Project in Botswana. Credit: Cole Franklin

In honour of Earth Month, African Travel, Inc. (ATI), an award-winning luxury safari outfitter, is proudly sharing the measurable progress and positive impact achieved by its African project partner, Wild Entrust Africa (WEA). Through its not-for-profit, TreadRight Foundation, ATI provides grants to support the vital work of its conservancy partner’s three village projects, aimed at empowering women and youth in Botswana through community engagement and wildlife coexistence. Since 2014, WEA has been working in the village of Habu, Botswana, implementing an integrated community development and conservation program.

ATI is sharing the impact achieved by its African project partner, Wild Entrust Africa, with the help of grants received in 2024.

Progress from Wild Entrust Africa in Habu Village, Botswana

Village Greens Project 

The Village Greens Project, part of the Community Coexistence program, empowers women through community gardening to feed families in Habu and grow vegetables for sale. In 2024, grants from ATI supported 20 women and youth in horticultural production, fostering sustainable livelihoods and social development through planned farming, grazing, and livestock herding to promote human-wildlife coexistence. The funds were also used for capacity building, providing hands-on training, and implementing two new garden area shade nets to protect crops from harsh sunlight and bird damage. The farm's water reticulation and distribution systems were also improved. 

A standout success story comes from Ms. Katjivisire Kanjo, one of the project beneficiaries. She shared, “This is a very good project. I am now able to feed my family, and from the last benefits we received, I managed to finish my house." This project aims to create a harmonious environment, restore traditional employment for women, enhance food security, and reduce reliance on harmful practices such as poaching and overharvesting.

Village Lights Project 

Due to the lack of electricity, the Village Lights Project aims to increase access to renewable energy to support youth education in the Habu community. ATI, in partnership with TreadRight, distributed 180 backpacks and 180 solar lights to Grade 1 and Grade 5 classes, enabling them to study after dark. Additionally, 201 books were donated to help build the school’s library. Some of the funds were used for human resources to organize homework clubs, reading clubs, and movie nights, all aimed at increasing literacy rates and scholastic performance of over 350 primary school students.

Village Kids Project 

Village Kids Project aims to improve youth perceptions of wildlife and foster a sense of stewardship for conservation with hands-on wildlife education and environmental awareness to turn their fear and animosity into protection and attachment for wildlife. Facilitated by the Coaching Conservation program, in 2024, 44 Grade 6 students from Habu Primary School participated in a full-day BushRAP event, including a morning game drive, where they learned about elephant communication, wildlife behaviour, and safety.