The Lehikeng community bid farewell to 2025 and ended the year on a high note with a Christmas Party. This is more than simple charity.
It is about restoring the true meaning of the holiday spirit to young people. It is more than mere entertainment; it is a link to psycho-social well-being, career pathways, and physical welfare.
The meticulous event is crafted to restore hope, smiles, and a sense of belonging to those who need it most. We believe that every child, youth, and woman deserves a remarkable festive holiday. We worked carefully to plan this so it would come to life.
From the day-to-day struggles, this is a rare moment where the children feel prioritised and ‘seen’ by their community.
The echoes of laughter and joy that ignited hope and self-worth on this day were transformative. A child who is celebrated begins to believe and see their potential in life.
The décor of the day set the mood. The children were all in shock to see the tremendous effort the volunteers and interns had put into it.
It wasn’t just about looking pretty; it was about creating a safe space. Balloons of every colour to create a more attractive environment with a touch of white and mustard. A temporary escape from everyday worries and struggles. A Christmas tree, of course!
Building consistency is valued; watering plants was not necessary, as the holidays were blessed with rain. All they had to do was relax and wait for their special day to start. We have prioritised that every gathering begin with prayer.
To get adrenaline pumping and hearts racing, we started with games that curated maximum engagement and developmental benefits. Activities included an egg race, balloon popping, and a spelling bee to tone it down.
Volunteers were happily assisting the children, which is heartwarming to encounter. Using games helps us see all children’s strengths and weaknesses and how to assist them better.
Nutrition is a pillar. It was time to replenish the energy used from running around. What is a party without a feast? It is a priority for each child to receive two meals.
The first is eaten at Lehikeng, and the other is taken home. It is not about feeding hungry bellies; it is about providing nourishment. For the first meal, they all had hot dogs, squash, meat, and muffins.
The main aim was to get them full and satisfied. The takeaway meal was served at the end of the day’s programme as people left for home. It comprised of rice, cabbage, butternut, and beef stew.
The events that followed the second meal were the dancing activity, held every Saturday. From the day they were informed about a special event, they had been practicing tirelessly. The cheer for one another was so loud it brought joy and peace.
A second break was given to them so they could recover with a sweet treat of cake. Their faces, smeared with cake, reflected gratitude. A motivational speech was given by one of the volunteers who was present. Finally, the group dance of everyone, with the classic song of ‘onketsang’ by Rex.
Community connection
While the sweet treats and games create immediate joy, our impact lies in fostering community connection and transforming youth in Maun and, hopefully, the whole nation. This party was a real-life demonstration of bringing people from all walks of life together. Seeing volunteers who made time for such a precious moment creates a tangible link of hope and mentorship for the kids.
A warm thank you to Small Village, Lehikeng staff, and volunteers for making this day memorable and special. It takes a village to raise children, and we are committed to shaping better lives.
The part lasted a day, but the sense of worth and being seen gives a child much more to look forward to. The celebration also symbolised a prosperous year we had, and it does not end here—journey with us into 2026, as our stakeholders and we impact lives.