FRESH STEPS Avani Gaborone Resort’s 30k gesture and campaign to give children dignity in schools
Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino has kicked off this month of April by rolling out their new community campaign called “Walk a Child to School,” a drive to collect new and pre-loved school shoes for children in need. The initiative is already making waves, aimed at restoring dignity and confidence for youngsters who often walk long distances to class without proper footwear.
The campaign is focused on the 76 children supported by Tsogang Trust, a Mogoditshane-based non-profit organization that has been caring for vulnerable youngsters since the early 1990s. Founded by community leader Mme Gosatla Chabe, the Trust provides shelter, food, and welfare support for children aged between 1 and 19, many of them orphans or affected by HIV/AIDS. With monthly welfare costs running up to P20,000, Tsogang relies heavily on donations to keep its doors open, making Avani’s support a timely boost.
This year, the resort has committed P30,000, covering not just school shoes but also food hampers, toiletries, and pre-loved clothing to ease the daily struggles of the children and their families.
Avani Gaborone’s Gaming Manager Mmoloki Mokgosi explained the spirit behind the campaign, saying that the donation of shoes was a life-changing experience for children known to walk long distances to school without footwear.
“At Avani, we believe that true hospitality extends beyond our hotel walls. Through the ‘Walk a Child to School’ campaign, we are not only providing shoes but also giving children the confidence and dignity they deserve as they pursue their education. We invite the community to join us in making a difference — one donation at a time.”
The resort has called on individuals, corporates, and stakeholders to donate new or gently used school shoes, adding that the donations can be dropped off at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. For more details, the resort can be reached at +267 361 6400 or via email at gaborone@avanihotels.com.
According to Samatha Bogopa, the resort’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Avani Gaborone Resort has consistently covered the children’s school transportation among other donations they have been making since adopting the Trust.
A thankful Chabe, the Tsogang Trust’s founder and Director, explained that out of the 76 children, 13 were based at the centre while 63 benefit from their homes, adding that it was their mission to ensure children from less privileged families get to enjoy normal lives similar to those of their peers from able homesteads.
