Dispatch 21 - International Children's Day, Reserva Especial De Maputo

We're just the catalysts a humble expedition to link Communities to Conservation across Africa we are joined from time to time by volunteers who share a common goal of using adventure to improve lives. Today fellow pilgrims of adventure Debbie and Martin Finch add these scribbles to the Boundless Southern Africa Expedition Dispatches...

Dif-lock and low ratio, tyres down to one bar, seven Landies plough out of our seaside camp at Milibilangala, led by Peace Parks Marine Specialist Miguel Gonzales, to a high point overlooking a stunning vista of pristine lakes, grassland and forest lining the sea.

Our two hour journey takes us past tranquil Lake Piti, unforgettably beautiful, khaki grass stretching to the fringing coastal forest, a solitary heron standing sentinel, a fish eagle soaring overhead.

Our Landies power on through thick sand and waist high grass - just visible above the grass are the heads of children making their way to Ecole Primaria Gala just three classrooms painted pastel pink, yellow and blue. The old fashioned wooden desks are all outside under the shade of a massive Mkuhlu tree. Many dignitaries have come: local chiefs from Salamanga, Gilberto from Peace Parks and Nunu from the Ministry of Tourism have all braved the sand track to Gala just south of the Reserva Especial De Maputo (formally known as the Maputo Elephant Reserve. The Chief, a large smiling affable man dressed in a grey suit and a tie, welcomes the assembled crowd and applauds the initiative of Transfrontier Conservation and the international bonds being forged by the Boundless Expedition.

In the shade of two evergreen Mkuhlu trees Kingsley asks Martin and I to judge the Art Competition the work portrays a joyous love of colour, acute observations of life in a Transfrontier Park, and, the need to protect the elephants. There's certificates and prizes, its an incredible joy for us as volunteers to be involved in grass roots conservation and to be accepted with dignity into community life, a reminder that there's no place quite like Mama Africa.

The makeshift soccer field is cut by hand, a small postage stamp on an envelope of vast African grassland. Indigenous poles are the goal posts, brightly dressed spectators add colour to the Children's Day Celebrations. A feisty group of female fans, race onto the field after every goal and then insist on their own game, completely upstaging the boys.

The Boundless Soccer Trophy balls whistles and bibs that are given to this school will not be the exclusive preserve of the boys. An Inguni beast has been slaughtered and the grand finale to the fine day is a huge feast of nyama, shared with every member of the community.

As visiting volunteers we only have 2 more days on expedition but it's an adventure that will live in our hearts forever - Siyabonga and Well Done. We'll meet again in the Kgalagadi.

Fellow pilgrims of adventure - we'll keep you posted!