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.