the rising foundation

South Africa and Botswana - January 2024


CCT's partnership with The Rising Foundation and Great Plain Conservation has entered its second year, building on the resounding success of the inaugural program. In January 2024, four students embarked on a transformative journey to South Africa and Botswana. Before their adventure, they were busy fundraising for Pack for a Purpose, a nonprofit organisation that encourages travelers to make a positive impact on the communities they visit by using a portion of their luggage space to carry supplies needed by local organisations. To read about their experience please click here.

As part of our commitment to the environment, and to encourage sustainability and help offset carbon emissions, CCT initiated a tree planting project in the far north of New Zealand in conjunction with Ngati Torehina ki Mataka (NTKM), a hapu (subtribe) that has traditional territorial authority over 9000 acres of land call Mataroa, also known as the Purerua Peninsula. In October 2023, this initiative was carried out and 150 native Pohutukawa trees were planted by a group of volunteers from NKTM as well as the four students from The Rising Foundation. It was a historic day for NTKM to uphold one of the most important principles within Te ao Māori which is Ahikatanga or responsible stewardship.


TESTIMONIALS

I have absolutely no regrets when I look back at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity provided by a great group of people! I know for a fact that both my team and I now have some jaw-dropping, eye-opening, and, at times, totally frightening memories that we will cherish forever! It was crazy to see the amount of animals that we did, everything from predators to prey, massive giraffes, and the tiny leopard tortoise, we often couldn't believe our eyes. Our guides ‘Big Matt’ and ‘Stitch’ told us we were very lucky to see the amount of animals we did. We all loved learning the Tswana names of all the animals. my favourite being the Ngwe or Leopard, such a majestic and powerful animal.

Another major highlight of the trip was the people! Throughout the trip we were warmly welcomed by staff from every group involved, the service and hospitality made me want to stay in Africa. Like the people of Africa, service of people is an important part of my culture and as a young person, I often found it very hard to sit and be waited upon and looked after by older people. We all felt as though we should have been the ones to carry bags or do the dishes.

Special shout out to Bianca from Celestielle (the cool aunty), all the sponsors, behind-the-scenes organisers, John and Doug, Dereck and Beverly! 

Lorretta I


Our Botswana trip was phenomenal. I was amazed at how loving and welcoming everybody was, no matter our differences. I enjoyed every game drive we went on, observing the different lifestyles of every animal. One highlight for me while out on the safari was being able to experience the many beautiful sunsets and sunrises, it made me realise just how beautiful nature really is. 

Another highlight for me was visiting a local school in Maun. I loved how passionate the kids were and their eagerness to learn despite their circumstances. Being able to experience such young, bright kids made me realise how much we students here in New Zealand are so lucky to be brought up in this environment.

This trip was a big eye-opener for me and my friends. This trip reminded us how grateful and thankful we should be for everything we already have. Driving through the streets of Maun and observing the distance students walk to school, has pushed me to do better in school. Knowing I have transportation and education easily compared to the environment for them.

Malo ‘aupito and blessings to the Celestielle Travel team and sponsors for this amazing trip.

Siua M


The most humbling thing for me was how little material things the people of Maun actually have yet how happy and thankful they are. The difference in attitudes between kids in New Zealand and Maun is so massive and it really hit home for me. The school visit made me realise how privileged I am to live in NZ, and that I shouldn’t waste and be thankful for any and all of the opportunities that I have.

Another highlight was the faces of the kids when we did the haka at the school visit. It felt great sharing our thanks and gratitude for the time and hospitality they shared with us in our own unique NZ cultural way. They were shocked and amazed and it made me feel so proud. The kids even wanted to learn a haka so they could do it.

My last highlight of the trip, definitely being on safari and being in the habitats of all the beautiful wildlife that I could only dream of seeing. What 15-year-old gets to see leopards, hippos, elephants, lions, baboons, and zebras in their natural environment, from just 2 meters away?

Now the trip is over, I think about the people in Botswana, and it reminds me to stay humble and grateful when I get caught up in what I think are hard times. I am truly blessed to have been chosen for this life-changing trip and I can't thank everyone involved enough for all they have done. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tessa U


From the minute I stepped off the plane onto African soil, I was filled with curiosity for adventure and discovery, I couldn’t believe I was really there. The vastness of the landscapes, the richness of the colours, the difference in sound – it was sensational. I'll never forget the thrill of seeing my first elephant in the wild, how it charged towards us, stomping and shaking the ground, almost giving a heart attack. The exact same feeling, the chest-pounding moment when we came across our first lion, or the spine-shivering sound of hyena calls throughout the night are memories that are etched into my mind.

But it wasn't just about the wildlife. It was the people who made this trip truly unforgettable. Our guides were not only experts in their field but also incredible storytellers who shared their passion for the land, people, and animals with us. The hosts treated us like long-lost friends, welcoming us into their homes and sharing their culture and traditions with open hearts. It felt very familiar in some ways as my Tongan culture is very similar in terms of how we look after and serve our guests with food and honour them with songs and dances unafraid to share our traditions and culture.   

My greatest gratitude to you all, Celestielle Travel – thank you for sending me on this incredible journey. It was a wild ride, and I wouldn't change a single moment of it.

Tiola T


First of all, I want to thank everyone who had a hand in crafting such an amazing experience for our rangatahi and myself.

For me, this whole experience started early in 2023 as we prepared for the trip. Upon finding out about the trip we were all excited and we began planning straight away. We fundraised as a team to collect and take over as much sports and educational equipment as possible as a means of showing our appreciation and contributing in any way possible. I was so proud of what we were able to achieve and was looking forward to passing that on. We also spent a lot of time together as a team in preparation for this trip learning waiata, haka, and dances to show our appreciation and to honour those who looked after us over in Africa.  

One of my highlights was the school visit, mainly because of the impact this had on the minds and hearts of our young people. After spending time with the kids from a local Botswana primary school, hearing their stories, and witnessing their way of life, it totally blew their worldview apart and made them realise how privileged they are for what they have and just how thankful they should be. To m,e these experiences are gold because while seeing and being around the animals is truly amazing, and we are eternally grateful for the opportunity to see them, I love seeing the shifts in thinking, development of character, and change in heart experiences like these have on our young people. Nga mihi nui rawa kia koutou! Biggest acknowledgements to all involved!

Gideon R (Student Mentor from TRF)