On 16 June, as Botswana joined the rest of the continent in marking the Day of the African Child, Sunshine Insurance Company of Botswana spent the morning at Kgafela Primary School — not with policies or paperwork, but with blankets, care packages and a microphone for the pupils to make themselves heard.
The event was held under Sunshine Insurance’s “Sunshine Insurance Brings Warmth” campaign, in partnership with the One Pula Foundation and Miss Botswana 2026, Magdeline Angel Modipane. Together they set out to bring a little warmth, and a good deal of encouragement, to some of the school’s most vulnerable learners.
Warmth for the winter months
Fifty pupils each received a blanket and a basic care package. The timing was deliberate: winter is one of the hardest seasons for many families, and a warm, healthy child is one who can concentrate in class rather than on the cold.
More than a hand-out
The day was built around the children’s own voices as much as their needs. Sunshine Insurance and its partners ran a public-speaking contest, inviting learners to stand up, share their ideas and speak about the future they imagine for themselves. Ten finalists were chosen on the day, and the three strongest speakers were singled out for special recognition. The overall champion went home with a tablet, a set of toiletries, a trophy and a certificate — awarded for confidence, personal growth and the courage to speak in public.
Beauty with a mission
The partnership formed part of Miss Botswana’s “Beauty with a Mission” platform, with Magdeline Angel Modipane taking part in the handover and spending time with the learners — pairing the reach of the Miss Botswana title with practical community work on the ground.
In their words
“As an insurance company, our work does not end at protecting our clients from risk — it extends to caring for the communities we are part of. Winter is a difficult time for many families, and we know that children learn best when they are warm, healthy and comfortable.”
“But this is about more than blankets. By giving children a stage to express themselves and compete in good spirit, we hope to build their confidence and remind them that they have the ability to shape their own futures. Education changes lives, and these children are the future of Botswana.”
— Vijay Mamidwar, Sunshine Insurance Company of Botswana
Looking ahead
Sunshine Insurance says it will keep supporting projects that strengthen communities and invest in the next generation, with a particular focus on the education, health, dignity and opportunities of Botswana’s children. The Day of the African Child is a yearly reminder to keep those priorities in view — and that every child deserves to be seen, respected and given the chance to pursue their dreams.