Etali Safari Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve opened its doors in March 2003. During the construction phase, it soon became apparent that there is a real need for support for the villages surrounding the reserve. Realising that the lodge by itself would not be able to address the vast needs in the local communities, we decided to register a Non-profit organization (NPO) through which we could channel resources, both financial and human, in aid of community projects.

The NPO was registered in the name "Etali Circle of Friends”. This initiative, established in 2004, identifies and sources funding for different schools or needy projects in the area on an ongoing basis to provide or facilitate “value-added support services” according to the specific needs of the school or community. Support services can include a range of activities from skills training to the purchasing of equipment.

Our current focus project is the Batlokwa Secondary School in Molatedi Village where we hope to complete renovations to the school building in the next month or two.

As soon as that is done and the school is more secure, we will install computers and start the e-schooling project facilitating contact with various Universities and allowing not only learners but also adult members of the community the opportunity to access the internet outside school hours to further their studies.

We are also aiming to improve the sports facilities for the school and thus enhance quality of life at all levels in the community.