Gondwana Care Trust Namibia

Background and Journey
Dgini Moyon-Visser, a trustee of the Gondwana Care Trust, was born in France and spent part of her childhood in Northern African countries, where she was exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures. Growing up in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco instilled in her a deep passion for Africa and its people. In 1994, she relocated to South Africa and Namibia, joining Gondwana Collection Namibia in 2004.

Involvement with the Gondwana Care Trust
The origins of the Gondwana Care Trust date back to 2006, when a group of colleagues founded the Gondwana Memes. Dgini became involved in the Trust's efforts to empower women and children in Namibia. She recognised the need to address gender-based violence and menstrual hygiene issues, leading the Trust's first project to collect sanitary pads for young girls. 

Over the years, she has been instrumental in expanding the Trust's impact, focusing on sustainable projects and empowering local communities. 

Most Rewarding Experiences
She has been deeply inspired by the women she has met and supported through the Trust. She has witnessed numerous women achieving significant milestones and has been amazed by their resilience and determination. One particularly memorable experience was visiting a village near Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi Region, where women started a garden to sell their harvest, a project that has the potential to become a sustainable business. 

Challenges and Overcoming Them
During the pandemic, the Trust faced significant financial challenges, which threatened to shut down operations. However, with the support of industry partners, the Trust was able to continue its work in providing the very basic needs to the most vulnerable. This experience highlighted the importance of sustained funding and the devastating impact of lack thereof on vulnerable communities. 

Ensuring Empowerment
The Trust ensures that its projects are empowered by encouraging local organisations to manage their projects in a sustainable manner and seek additional sponsors. 

Advice for Others
Dgini advises others interested in social impact work to start small and not give up. She emphasises the importance of kindness, fairness, and perseverance in achieving meaningful and positive change by encouraging empowerment and sustainability. 

Future Vision
Dgini envisions the Gondwana Care Trust expanding its support base both within Namibia and internationally, enabling more impactful projects, particularly in education. She believes that education is the key to empowering communities and creating sustainable change, allowing individuals to develop skills and become entrepreneurs in various fields. 

Creating Sustainable Change in Namibia
Gys Joubert's story is one of commitment, compassion, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of community. As a trustee of the Gondwana Care Trust, he has dedicated himself to creating sustainable impacts for Namibian communities, a mission that resonates deeply with his personal values and professional journey. 

A Proud Namibian
Born and raised in Namibia, Gys' path began with a solid educational foundation. He studied law in South Africa and practiced in the legal field before transitioning into banking, where he spent nearly a decade. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to private business brokering, but it was his role as CEO of Gondwana Collection Namibia, which he took on in January 2017, that would intertwine his journey with the Gondwana Care Trust. 

The Beginning of the Gondwana Care Trust
Gys' involvement with the Gondwana Care Trust coincided with his tenure at Gondwana. 

He discovered an inspiring initiative led by a group of female employees, ‘Gondwana Memes’ who pooled their personal resources to support community projects.

Recognising the potential for a more structured approach, the team formalised this initiative into the Gondwana Care Trust in September 2017. This move not only provided transparency but also allowed for greater resource allocation to those in need. 

A Mission Rooted in Values
Gys attributes his passion for community service to his upbringing, where helping others was a fundamental value instilled by his parents. This ethos aligns perfectly with Gondwana's culture of giving and serving. He believes that exposure to the realities faced by disadvantaged communities inspires gratitude and a desire to serve, a lesson he aims to pass on to his children. 

Rewarding Experiences
Among the many rewarding experiences Gys has had since joining the Trust, one stands out: a visit to the DRC Women Community Centre and Grow Together Kindergarten in Swakopmund, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnessing the resilience and hope of children in a community devastated by the pandemic's economic impact was a profound moment for him. Despite the challenges, the children's smiles and positivity reinforced Gys' commitment to the Trust's mission.

Challenges and Resilience
The Gondwana Care Trust faces significant challenges, primarily the overwhelming need for support compared to available resources. Gys emphasises the importance of focusing on community impact rather than individual assistance, a principle that guides their efforts. The Trust's ability to adapt and thrive during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is an indication of the goodwill of the Namibian community and corporate partners who rallied to support their initiatives. 

Looking Ahead
Gys envisions a future where the Gondwana Care Trust's services may no longer be necessary, indicating a society where needs are met, and communities thrive independently. This dream, while ambitious, reflects his unwavering hope for Namibia and its people.

A Journey Begins in Namibia
Sonia Noirfalise-Corsini’s journey in Namibia began in 1996 when she and her husband drove overland from Belgium to Cape Town. Years earlier, while employed as tour guides in the USA, they had heard about this magical desert country with its sparse population, which had always held an irresistible allure for them. Sonia started her employment with Gondwana Collection Namibia in April 1998, where her job descriptions—of which she unofficially had many—involved working alongside Namibians to create a strong and independent team. 

The Seeds of Gondwana Care Trust
Sonia’s involvement with Gondwana Care Trust began subconsciously from day one, as she explored ways to establish souvenir shops at the lodges, aiming to stock them with as many Namibian projects and products as possible. This proved challenging while based at the Fish River Canyon until a unique opportunity arose. A safari pilot introduced her to African rag dolls made by a group of women in a Windhoek township, who called their project “Matukondjo Dolls.” The dolls were proudly displayed at reception and were quickly purchased by guests from various countries, validating the concept for the shop. The project continues to thrive today.

Strengthening Community Ties
Upon relocating to the head office in Windhoek, Sonia was closer to many projects. True to Gondwana's values, the team assisted numerous initiatives with product development, skills transfer in production and quality control, while also providing mentorship on business management and bookkeeping. This grassroots approach fostered close bonds, and Sonia fondly recalls spending hours working alongside mothers and girls in their corrugated iron homes, empowering them to become independent producers while managing their household chores. Babies were carried on their backs as chickens and dogs roamed around them; however, the stark reality of economic inequality and the challenges faced by these women did not escape her notice. On the contrary, it motivated her to expand product ranges so that more Gondwana lodges throughout Namibia could also sell their crafts. The women were hardworking and consistently delivered quality products.

Creating Sustainable Solutions
Because these women could work from home and build up stock, many of them established small kindergartens and soup kitchens within their communities. This enabled Gondwana to extend support and connect with international tourists while teaching young children essential hygiene practices, early childhood education, and providing love and care from an early age.

The combination of producing Namibian souvenirs for income while raising their children created a win-win situation. Once Sonia had children of her own, she felt blessed to share prosperity with these communities on equal terms.

As Gondwana expanded its footprint across Namibia, so too did the contingent of primarily female producers and their families prosper alongside it.

Community Support Initiatives
The ‘Gondwana Memes’ comprised colleagues who assisted various projects near the lodges and around Windhoek by donating food items, books, toys, as well as second-hand fridges and washing machines from their own finances. However, the need far exceeded what they could provide. Once the Gondwana Care Trust was formalised, they were able to impact real change in people's circumstances and assist them in improving their lives.

Challenges in Funding
Proper and continuous funding remains a challenge; it is essential not to turn away anyone requesting assistance. Once projects are accepted as beneficiaries, regular feedback is required to keep the trustees informed, but this does not always occur, resulting in the termination of support. Each project also needs a champion with the vision and energy to realise its goals. It is disheartening that when these leaders move on, the project often collapses, leaving the community unable to sustain or further develop it. Therefore, support is not given to individuals; instead, efforts are made to understand the dynamics between project members and the communities they serve.

Long-Term Impact Through Broader Approaches
The broader the approach in a project's mission and vision, the greater its chances of survival and long-term impact. Early Childhood Development (ECD) is one of the Gondwana Care Trust's key pillars because they believe that children who receive proper care at a young age build strong foundations for their lives. However, the pandemic has starkly highlighted that families need economic stability to feed themselves before they can grow into strong citizens. Consequently, the MealForTwo Project has expanded significantly and consumes a substantial portion of the projects’ available budget as it provides basic support for survival. This dependency will persist until more employment opportunities and incentives that empower Namibians are created. Additionally, there has been an increased focus on establishing vegetable gardens across the nation.

The Power of Kindness
“The world could do with more kindness,” Sonia believes. It has always been evident that making others successful brings personal fulfilment; the universe nurtures the connections formed between people. There is much one can do to share opportunities, wealth, and growth. Simple acts such as repurposing interior items like chairs, tables, and curtains from lodges to school hostels create nurturing environments for students and teachers alike — encouraging them towards their best capabilities and higher achievements. Starting small within one's immediate community can lead to significant impact; sharing knowledge, love, or whatever one can offer will be met with warm smiles and respect.

Future Aspirations for Capacity Building
Sonia envisions that the Gondwana Care Trust will evolve towards enhancing capacity building for beneficiaries through practical workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, accounting, teaching methods for educators, basic parenting skills, community garden establishment, preservation of traditional crafts and arts, and modernising these traditions into sellable souvenirs. She also hopes that the Gondwana Care Trust will continue serving as a conduit for donations and international funding while connecting Non-Profit Organisation's with small projects or schools so they can empower one another through collaborative efforts. This way, Namibia remains united and proud while looking forward to a brighter future for its children.

How the Journey Began
Iroleen Hurter began her professional career in the audit field in 1995, starting as an intern at a Windhoek audit firm while pursuing her Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree. However, she quickly realised that auditing was not her true passion. After completing her articles and degree, she transitioned into the private sector, joining Gondwana Collection Namibia in 2003 as the Group Financial Manager. Over time, her role expanded to include the commercial side of the business as well as Business Integration and Intelligence.

More than 21 years later, Iroleen continues to learn every day. Her deep love for people has always been a guiding force, and being part of the Gondwana family allows her to give back, not just to her team but to something greater. This sense of belonging makes giving feel natural and fulfilling, as she contributes to something bigger than herself.

Building a Caring Community
Iroleen has been involved in projects assisting children in need long before the Gondwana Care Trust was formalised in 2017. It has been her passion to engage her two boys in these projects since they were toddlers. Teaching compassion and care is the greatest gift she believes one can share. She was fortunate to collaborate with like-minded women from Gondwana, leading to the establishment of the ‘Gondwana Memes’. Together, they empowered and inspired individuals while giving back with love and compassion.

This foundation eventually evolved into what is now the Gondwana Care Trust, officially becoming part of the Gondwana brand. Today, they are a strong dynamic team supported by local and international partners who share their vision and goals. Their mission remains focused on positively impacting communities, children, and all other projects they support.

Rewarding Experiences with the Trust
Iroleen has had many rewarding experiences while working with the Trust, but one of the most heartwarming is witnessing the pure joy and gratitude on children's faces when they receive a Back-to-School Christmas Bag filled with educational materials and a gift. As they eagerly open their bags, their smiles light up with excitement; this simple gesture of kindness transforms their day. The laughter and wide-eyed wonder serve as constant reminders of the power of giving, especially to those who may not have much. Their appreciation extends beyond the gifts; it signifies being remembered and cared for during a special time of year. This moment of connection — seeing their happiness and knowing she has brightened their world, even if just for a little while, is a powerful reminder of the true spirit of giving.

Additionally, witnessing children receive education and upliftment is profoundly fulfilling for Iroleen, as it offers a glimpse into their brighter futures. When children gain access to learning opportunities, it often reflects newfound hope and possibility. Observing them engage eagerly with their studies, grasp new concepts, and develop skills that will empower them for life brings immense joy and purpose.

The knowledge that this education can break cycles of poverty and open doors to opportunities otherwise unavailable is deeply rewarding.

Every milestone, small success, and smile of achievement serves as a powerful reminder of education's transformative power — not just academically but also in fostering confidence, resilience, and belief in their potential to shape a better future for themselves and their communities.

Challenges Faced by the Trust
For Iroleen personally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the growing need for food security; it was overwhelming to witness the increasing demand. She felt helpless as funds began to dwindle, but each month, partners and suppliers stepped in to support them. Thanks to this unwavering assistance, the Trust was able to continue its work throughout the pandemic.

Securing consistent funding to sustain projects remains a top priority but presents challenges. The Trust continues to build strong partnerships with donors and companies while organising fundraising events such as their annual Golf Day.

Geographical and logistical hurdles also pose challenges since many projects take place in rural or remote areas of Namibia. Reaching these communities can be difficult; transporting resources, managing communication, and providing consistent support have required creative logistical solutions. The Trust partners with local suppliers and networks to streamline donation deliveries in these areas.

By staying committed to their mission, adapting to challenges, and fostering strong relationships, the Gondwana Care Trust continues making a meaningful impact despite obstacles.

Empowering Local Communities
For the Gondwana Care Trust, sustainability is paramount for all projects. They strive to ensure that individuals overseeing these initiatives are genuinely invested in their growth and success. While they do not involve themselves in day-to-day management, they focus on fostering a sense of support with the project teams through regular visits that demonstrate care. It is also essential that projects are not solely dependent on the Trust; they must seek additional funding from other donors and sponsors for long-term viability. 

Aspiring Social Impact Workers
Iroleen advises those interested in social impact work, whether through the Gondwana Care Trust or other organisations — to identify their passion and purpose first. Understanding which social issues resonate most, be it education, environmental conservation, healthcare or community development — is crucial for aligning involvement with inspiring causes that foster commitment.

She emphasises that understanding the project one is getting involved with is vital; grand gestures are not necessary from the outset. Volunteering in small roles or contributing to short-term projects can be an effective way to build trust while understanding long-term impacts.

Balancing empathy with action is important; while understanding people's experiences is crucial, focusing on tangible actions that lead to real change is equally essential. Patience and persistence are key since social impact takes time; immediate results may not be visible initially, but consistent efforts will eventually lead to meaningful contributions.

Future Aspirations for Sustainable Growth
Iroleen hopes that the Gondwana Care Trust can extend its support to even more communities — particularly those where basic needs such as education, healthcare, and food security remain unmet — by expanding its geographic footprint while deepening involvement in existing regions.

The Trust will continue innovating its approach to funding by diversifying funding streams to ensure long-term sustainability for its initiatives.

Iroleen envisions leveraging technology more effectively within the Trust to track progress, measure impact, and engage stakeholders better. Digital tools can enhance transparency, improve project management processes, and increase awareness of their work.