While staying at Richard Branson’s private game reserve—Ulusaba—I was honored to be able to visit and support Pride n’ Purpose. This charity works with local communities to improve infrastructure including access to clean water and building schools and healthcare centers. They strive to give locals empowerment by also assisting with entrepreneurial opportunities.

After breakfast, we hopped on one of the safari jeeps and drove to the edge of the game reserve, where the local village was located. There, we were met by David, who is one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met.  One thing I love about traveling is the people I get to meet just by chance, little random glimpses into lives that are so different than my own.  Even though we had just met, David’s smile was radiant and made me feel like we’d been friends my whole life.

We drove through the village and arrived at one of the schools that was built by the guests of Leopard Hills and Ulusaba. I heard music coming from inside the tent and saw two women dancing at the gate! Children quickly came out to greet us, and as I peered under the tent I soon realized that there was a preschool graduation ceremony going on!

I was so happy to be able to witness this joyful (and very cute) moment! The children were all dressed up in uniforms celebrating with their family and friends. Everyone was dancing and enjoying themselves! The children performed songs for us and even got us to dance with them!

After we enjoyed the graduation, David took us to some other parts of the village. We saw how this village pumps their water, and visited the local library.

The entire experience made me so glad that I was able to donate to this charity! It is one thing to send money to an organization, but the depth of connection you feel when you meet the families that you are helping…..it really only makes you want to help more.

On our way back to reserve, two little boys started chasing our car—screaming and yelling for us to come back. The time went by so fast. I am already looking forward to when I can go back to Ulusaba. Not just as a one-day visitor but able to be more involved with the organization and the lovely people I met.