Botswana’s growing creative and cultural sectors are inspiring new initiatives aimed at nurturing innovation from an early age.
Recognising the importance of exposing children to creativity, Ipele Ka Wena has stepped in as a solution; creating spaces where young minds can explore, express, and grow.
Founded by Kaone Hunyepa in Francistown, Ipele Ka Wena is a start-up dedicated to cultivating creativity and purpose among children, youth and adults.
One of its flagship initiatives is Creative Kids’ Day, a community-based event designed to give children a safe, expressive environment to discover their creative potential.
Hunyepa, a passionate youth development advocate, believes creativity is not just play but a foundation for confidence, emotional awareness, and future leadership. Now in its second edition, Creative Kids’ Day carries the theme: The Art Continues, a reflection of the initiative’s commitment to consistency and long term creative development.
The second edition will be hosted at Cresta Marang Gardens on February 28.
“The Art Continues is both a theme and a promise, a commitment to nurturing passion, confidence, and creative identity from a tender age,” Hunyepa said.
The theme underscores the belief that creativity should not be a one-off activity, but an evolving journey that grows with children.
“As adults, we are investing in self-expression, wellness, and personal growth, which is beautiful and necessary. But somewhere along the way, it feels like we have left the children behind. Creative Kids’ Day was born from the belief that as parents develop themselves, they must also be intentional about equipping their children with the same opportunities,” Hunyepa explained.
She added that the event was designed to help children build soft skills such as confidence, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving, all, while having fun. Research shows that ages 4 to12 are a critical window for curiosity, identity formation, and collaboration skills, making this the ideal stage for Creative Kids’ Day’s impact.
Th e event offers a variety of interactive stations that include Art Stations: Sip-and-paint and drawing activities exploring color and shape, DIY Craft s: Hands-on projects to spark imagination, Movement & Dance: Confidence-building dance sessions to energize and uplift and Wellness & Emotions Station: Guided mindfulness and emotional awareness exercises.
Creative Kids’ Day, she said was especially beneficial for children interested in arts and crafts, those who might be shy and needed confidence-building platforms, and young learners who thrived in interactive environments.
While there are currently no competitive prizes due to budget constraints, Hunyepa emphasised that sponsorship partnerships were welcomed, pleading with businesses and individuals to support by purchasing tickets, sponsor underprivileged children and donate resources or volunteer.
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