Francistown to host Creative Kids Day
Francistown is set to host Creative Kids Day on 23 August, an innovative event designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and emotional intelligence among children aged 6 to 12. Organized by Ipele ka Wena founder, Kaone Hunyepa, the initiative seeks to provide young learners with a safe and engaging platform to explore self-expression through a variety of artistic and wellness activities.
“Creative Kids Day was born from simply noticing a pattern,” said Hunyepa. “As the world evolves, many adults invest in their personal development and wellness, which is necessary. But somewhere along the way, children are left behind. We want to bring them along into these experiences of creativity, fun, and holistic growth.”
Research indicates that ages 6 to 12 represent a critical period in a child’s development, during which creativity, confidence, and social skills are rapidly formed. “Children at this stage are highly curious, open to exploration, and forming a stronger sense of identity,” Hunyepa explained. “They are also developing problem solving and collaboration skills that will serve them throughout life. That is why we chose to focus on this age group for Creative Kids Day.”
The event’s theme, “Unleashing the Artist Within,” reflects the organisers’ vision of helping every child uncover and nurture their natural talents. “Every child who attends should leave feeling seen, heard, and inspired to create,” said Hunyepa.
To accommodate children of various ages and abilities, the event will feature multiple stations tailored to different skill levels. The Art Station will focus on painting and drawing, encouraging exploration of colour and shapes. The Movement & Dance Station will offer confidence-building dance sessions designed to engage and energize young participants. Additionally, the Wellness & Emotions Station, led by Valor Mental Health Foundation, will provide interactive tools such as a “Feelings Wheel” and guided mindfulness activities aimed at promoting emotional intelligence.
“Parents and guardians can choose to stay or drop off their children, depending on what makes their family most comfortable,” Hunyepa added.
Tickets for Creative Kids Day are priced at P150 per child. To make the event accessible to children from underprivileged backgrounds, the organisers have introduced ticket giveaways and are actively seeking sponsorships. “We want to ensure that finances do not prevent any child from attending,” Hunyepa emphasised.
The Francistown community has responded positively to the event, with many parents expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity for their children to engage in creative and wellness activities. “There is a lot of curiosity and interest from parents,” said Hunyepa. “Some are still warming up to the idea, but others have already secured tickets for their children.”
Creative Kids Day is intended to be an annual, travelling event that will extend its reach beyond Francistown to other towns and villages across Botswana, particularly those that are often overlooked. “Our vision is to bring this experience to places that do not usually have access to such programs,” Hunyepa said.
Individuals and businesses interested in supporting Creative Kids Day are encouraged to contribute through ticket purchases, sponsorships, donations, or volunteering. “Local businesses can play a vital role in making this experience richer and more accessible,” Hunyepa noted.