Everyone deserves the chance to travel. Yet, all too often, seeing the world is a privilege reserved for the global elite. At Elevate Destinations, we bridge the divide, and our goal is to connect local youths to their own environments as travelers and stewards.
Through our innovative Buy a Trip, Give a Trip model, your trip purchase creates fun new travel opportunities for local kids. For the first time, they experience nearby natural and cultural wonders, see the sights, have fun, and make the kind of travel memories we take for granted. Here’s just one example of Buy a Trip, Give a Trip in action:
The Travelers:
Uthando South Africa, well-known for its commitment to community empowerment, collaborated with Elevate Destinations to organize an impactful journey for the women and families from the Philisa Abafazi Bethu Women and Family Center. This transformative excursion brought them to Robben Island, a site of deep historical significance in South Africa.
Philisa Abafazi Bethu provides hope to many women and families in need. The family center gives support and uplifts those facing challenging circumstances, offering a safe space for healing, growth, and solidarity via various programs and initiatives.
The Details:
In August 2023, the women of Philisa Abafazi Bethu and their families boarded the ferry journey to Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town. This trip was designed to empower these families, enabling them to connect with their past, gain insights from history, and draw strength from their shared experiences of resilience.
Robben Island holds a crucial place in South Africa’s history as a symbol of the struggle against apartheid. For decades, it served as a political prison where numerous anti-apartheid activists, including Nelson Mandela, were unjustly incarcerated. Robben Island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status emphasizes its historical importance and role in the nation’s democratic transition.
Beyond its historical significance, the visit to Robben Island also focused on creating memories for the participants, fostering a lasting sense of community and togetherness. In addition to educational programs and workshops, the group engaged in healing sessions that allowed them to bond and find hope for a brighter future.
Partner Organizations:
Uthando
Uthando (which means ‘love’ in the Zulu language) is an innovative non-profit organization and Fair Trade in Tourism accredited company. Uthando aims to raise funds and other assistance for community development projects in South Africa. It achieves its goals by offering authentic, uplifting experiences for travelers inside the townships of Cape Town.
Special thanks to Springbok Atlas for generously offering a discount.
Read about other Buy A Trip, Give A Trip experiences.
