Jamestown NPO Ubuntu Hiking hosted a significant hike in Stellenbosch to shed light on the pressing issue of child trafficking on Saturday (27 April).
With the participation of 60 children from four local schools, the event marked one of the largest combined hikes organised by the organisation to date. The hike served as a platform to raise awareness and share information with the learners about the realities of child trafficking.
Said Henny Carstens, chairperson of Ubuntu Hiking: “Although we celebrate Freedom Day, the youth of today are not free because of child trafficking.”
The hike was a collaborative effort involving Ubuntu Hiking, Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch NPO Ranyaka Community Transformation and four local primary schools – St Idas, Idas Valley, Cloetesville and Weber Gedenk.
“What made this day even more special is the fact that the four principals of these schools are all from Jamestown, but 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 Clint September of Ubuntu Hiking.
During the hike, participants were immersed in a mix of fun, learning and awareness-building activities. Ubuntu Hiking facilitated an engaging excursion that included environmental education, basic mapping exercises, and first-aid scenarios. The learners 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,” added Carstens. “Child trafficking is real, and we needed to educate our learners.”
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.
Ubuntu Hiking thanked the sponsors and collaborators who supported this initiative, especially Stellenbosch Municipality, Ranyaka Community Transformation, the Nedbank Proud of my Town programme, Chilled Beverages and private sponsors.
