Dearest Africa Friends
It lies in the inherent nature of our resilient African people to be hopeful and optimistic even in the most turbulent of times, despite the recent developments of the pandemic which have deeply affected us all.
Perhaps this is the reason why, even in these interesting times we live in, many of our clients feel particularly drawn to travel to this part of the world, allowing them to enjoy many joyful and memorable African Moments away from all the dramatic news of the past two years! Not only is social distancing within Africa’s endless expanses easy to adhere to, but our Tourism partners are doing everything they can to ensure their guests feel safe on their journey and that they leave with lasting and meaningful impressions. A dear client recently wrote of their latest trip through Southern Africa: “We are more than grateful for this holiday” – reaffirming once again that an African journey deeply touches those who journey through it. As Ernest Hemingway so succinctly described it: “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy”.
The good news: since the discovery of the Omicron variant, the UK has already removed all African countries from their “red list”, and along with the USA & Canada, they currently do not require one to quarantine upon return, as long as one adheres to prescribed testing and vaccination requirements.
Every seed planted offers hope!
Strengthening each other and overcoming challenges through solidarity: once again people in this part of the world find expression through the philosophy of “Ubuntu” – “I am because We are”. This also applies to the great SEED program, which we will be supporting this year, following the recommendation of our great philanthropic partner Uthando (Love) South Africa. SEED sows a bright future for unemployed young people through learning and training opportunities. We are optimistic that our Christmas donation to SEED, a joint contribution by both our clients as well as the African Moments Team, will bear many fruits in years to come.
SEED is an award-winning public benefit organisation that contributes to Cape Town’s resilience through awakening the potential of its unemployed township youth, connecting them to their strengths and the positive resilience action they can take in their lives. By strengthening these special resources, SEED provides them with future opportunities in professions that focus on environmental and social sustainability. To this end, three different programs have been developed and established at Rocklands Primary School in Mitchells Plain: The Seeding Future Program is a 15-week training in which young people learn the techniques of permaculture as the key to organic food production and supply. “Easy Peasy Enterprise” is the further development of this idea into a profession. By supplying both communities and schools in the area with locally produce, one achieves both ecological and socio-economic goals. School training programs also ensure that the principles of permaculture are anchored as an important contribution to food security from an early age. 72 outdoor classrooms have been created in this way, in which students literally learn to provide for their own future.
Wishing you a joyful Festive Season!
“How I would love to be in southern Africa right now”! Should this thought have crossed your mind while reading this newsletter, we will gladly assist you in converting this wish into reality. Major airlines such as United, Delta, British Airways, the Lufthansa Group and more, reconfirmed their commitment, even in these times, and continue to fly to African destinations within our portfolio. We will take care of all the behind-the-scenes details, in order to create carefree and unforgettable African Moments for you and your loved ones. We couldn’t think of a more exciting Christmas gift, than the anticipation of packing your bags for new adventures!
We leave you with the uplifting sounds of the wonderful Stellenbosch University Choir,
as we wish you a peaceful and restful Festive Season.
May the upcoming be a happy, healthy and optimistic year for you all!
“Nothing but breathing the air of Africa, and actually walking through it,
can communicate the indescribable sensations”
William Burchell
With warmest African greetings,
Nicole, Dennis & the African Moments Team
