Night watch over and bodies stirred in an attempt to shake off the chill of a night spent out in the crisp air.  Soon chatter filled the air as the delegates greeted the morn.  Back to base camp for a very welcome hot shower and delicious breakfast of yoghurt, cereal, eggs, bacon and tomato prepared by Ubungani staff.  Warm and well fed, the children were ready to begin activities on this their last day in the African bush at Botshabelo.

First on the agenda for the day was Appreciation.  This is a somewhat mentally challenging activity as each person is required to say something positive and uplifting about each member of their team.  This is thought provoking and the astute observations children make are eye opening and very encouraging.  During this activity the delegates get the opportunity to be positive, share what characteristics they admire in other people, and to show appreciation and gratitude towards each other and what they have done for one another.  Both the delegates and Environmental Education Officers find this activity stimulating, fulfilling and uplifting.

Lunch today was tasty Vegetable Kebabs prepared by the delegates from Bahrain, and spicy Chicken Tikka Masala with tossed salad prepared by the delegates from Pakistan.  A tasty chicken casserole served with rice and coleslaw, and ice-cream and chocolate sauce for dessert, was served for supper by the Ubungani team.  All of the meals served today were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

As the event draws to a close let us not forget the very people who kept us fed and content the entire week.  The kitchen staff ladies had a great deal of fun and enjoyment as they worked with the delegates in preparing and cooking their respective traditional meals.  Much amusement, amazement and mirth filled the kitchen from morning until evening as they learnt how to prepare and cook meals very foreign and new to them.  Chop, chop, chop …... and voilá matchstick size pieces of vegetables for another stir fry! 

Mapping followed lunch.  The delegates from Taiwan and Thailand did an admirable job of informing us about their respective countries, culture, traditions and customs.  Both presentations were informative and enjoyed by the delegates.  Time was given for preparation and practice for the cultural event to be held tomorrow.

Come late afternoon the delegates climbed the hill which forms the backdrop to the cultural village which has been our home for the past 6 days. High above the plains and valleys this was the ideal place to find solitude and peace within oneself and, as the sun set on a perfect day; it was fitting for each individual to reflect on their wilderness experience.

In the stillness of the African night the delegates gathered round the fire.  This was the time for them to share the value of their wilderness adventure.  The children were clearly moved by the whole experience and all noted how the group had become a cohesive, well-knit unit despite political, cultural and religious differences.  The week spent together had served to break down barriers and stereotyping by making each delegate more aware of the value and richness of different cultures. These delegates noted that there was unity in diversity, rather than conflict.  In fact, the richness of other cultures engendered pride in their own culture.  This wilderness experience has led to an heightened awareness of their own environment, and each delegate returns home with a new found determination to contribute towards saving the environment and creating an environmental awareness within their own communities. 

The delegates all expressed their gratitude to Cathay Pacific Airline and Ubungani Wilderness Experience for the opportunity they had been given.  As always when one is having such a marvellous and fun-filled time in the company of friends, the 6 days seemed to pass by in a flash and too soon the time to depart arrived.  This week spent in the African bush was described as amazing, unforgettable and a life changing and once-in-a-lifetime experience for them all.  The evening under a brilliantly star-bright African night sky was rounded off with the exchanging of gifts between delegates.