A historic milestone was marked in the heart of the Okavango Delta as the very first early childhood playgroup in Xaxaba village was officially inaugurated. The ribbon was cut by children from the village, alongside Honourable Member of Parliament Dumelang Saleshando – a powerful reminder that while leaders and partners may help bring these spaces to life, they ultimately belong to the children.
“Research has shown that children who are exposed to early learning tend to be more successful in later stages of education,” said Honourable Dumelang Saleshando. “So this is an important opportunity for the children of Xaxaba. Parents, you’ve been invited to experience the playgroup yourselves during the Parent Engagement Day tomorrow. This will be beneficial for both you and your children – because it’s important to walk with your children every step of the way in their education journey.”
For decades, Xaxaba has existed without access to healthcare or formal education. No clinic. No classroom. Until now. For the first time, children aged 2–5 – and even older children who’ve never had a chance to attend school – now have a dedicated space to learn, grow, and thrive, right in their own community, during the most critical stage of development when 90% of the brain is formed.
“This is what last-mile access looks like,” said Priyanka Handa Ram, Co-Founder of Learn To Play. “Xaxaba is not only the last mile – it is the miles no one else dared to travel. And yet here we are, together. This playgroup is more than a building. It’s a commitment. A promise kept. A joyful beginning. And for many children here, it’s their very first experience of what learning can feel like – safe, nurturing, and full of wonder.”
Learn To Play, a non-profit organisation founded on the radical belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive, has since 2017 partnered with 20 communities across 9 districts in Botswana. Its community playgroup model reaches nearly 1,000 children every day and has trained over 60 women as Maatla Mamas – transforming not just children’s futures, but the lives of women, families and communities.
Bringing this centre to life wasn’t easy. Reaching Xaxaba means navigating three flooded channels, muddy terrain, or even traveling by boat or light aircraft. The village isn’t gazetted. Until recently, it had no signal. But thanks to deep collaboration with the Shorobe and Xaxaba Village Development Committees, support from the Northwest District Council, and a newly installed Starlink WiFi system via OKMCT, these barriers were overcome – together.
“Our playgroup partnership with the Xaxaba VDC was nurtured by principles of consultation, mutual understanding, flexibility and inclusiveness,” said Ogaufi Maripe of Impact Botswana – Kwando Safaris impact arm. “I feel accepted into the Xaxaba community, and I look forward to working with them beyond the playgroup.”
The day after the official launch, Learn To Play hosted its first-ever Parent Engagement Day in Xaxaba – a vibrant, emotional and hope-filled moment for many who had never seen what learning through play looks like. “The kids will get to learn and experience things they’ve never known before – like books, colours, shapes. They even have swings for the first time,” shared one parent. “We’re looking forward to hearing their stories every day!” Parents explored the classroom, played with each other, read stories and built dreams, engaging with the Maatla Mamas leading the playgroup. It was a moment of shared ownership, laughter, and learning.
“Kwando Safaris is in the business of tourism – but this partnership has allowed us to be part of something much deeper,” said Thuso Sarefo, General Manager at Kwando Safaris. “With Learn To Play’s expertise in education, we’ve now opened playgroups in some of the hardest-to-reach communities. We value this partnership deeply and believe it will go a long way.”
The transformation of the playgroup centre was made possible thanks to the incredible support of Kwando Safaris camp, Moremi Crossing. Staff from the camp helped to renovate the building and built the vibrant, colourful playground that now fills the space with joy and possibility.
Kwando Safaris, along with Chobe Safari Lodge and Nata Lodge, through their non-profit arm Impact Botswana, has been instrumental in expanding Learn To Play’s model across northern Botswana. Xaxaba is now proudly part of this growing map of impact. Learn To Play and Kwando Safaris now support 6 playgroups across Botswana. Each one is a testament to what’s possible when communities lead, and partners listen.