Children with disabilities treated to KNP trip
A group of disabled children were treated to their first-ever holiday by the Kruger National Park and Department of Social Development last weekend.
BERG-EN-DAL – In the last days of Tourism Month, children and caretakers from Bahlegithi Disabled Centre, based at a church in Carolina, were taken on a special overnight trip in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The group visited Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp near the Malalane Gate last Friday (September 28) and were delighted by the experience, as the majority had never been on any kind of holiday.
They were treated to lunch, before Lucia Hlatshwayo entertained them with trivia about the KNP and its animals.
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Following her animated and practical presentation, kids and caretakers enthusiastically answered questions about the Big Five, KNP and national parks.
The group then moved to the Rhino Hall, where Hlatshwayo told them more about rhinos, the species’ history and shared other interesting nature facts.
At the end of the tour, several of the children joined their guide in “kissing” the floor in symbolism of their pledge to protect the environment and animals.
During their drive to Skukuza, where they stayed overnight, they had a chance to do some game viewing.
Dinner and breakfast at Skukuza’s restaurant was a great treat and the kids enjoyed the experience immensely. By the time they left the KNP via Numbi Gate, they had spotted three of the Big Five.
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Thandi Nkosi and Tumelo Mabitsela, of DSD’s office on the status of disabled persons, explained that their office chooses a school or care centre for children with disabilities in the province each year during tourism month and takes them on a trip to the KNP.
September is Deaf Awareness and Albinism month and the two officials said that their office strived to raise awareness about disabilities.
“It’s time people see the person, not the disability, and bring their dignity back,” Nkosi said.
The DSD is planning several events to raise awareness during November, which is designated as Disability Month.
