Fourteen dedicated housekeepers from various Gondwana lodges across the country recently gathered in Windhoek for a unique learning and professional development opportunity. The programme combined immersive site visits with high-level technical training, supporting both personal growth and career development.
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of the Operation
The first day focused on an educational tour, giving the team a firsthand look at the network that supports daily hotel operations. For many participants, the experience included a number of meaningful firsts. The itinerary included:
- Visits to the Warehouse to better understand supply chain and retail operations.
- A stop at The Weinberg Windhoek hotel to experience Gondwana’s hospitality standards in an urban setting.
- A tour of Namibia2Go providing insight into car rental, airport logistics and guest transfers.
A highlight for many was visiting the Hosea Kutako International Airport itself, marking the first time several team members had ever experienced an airport environment.
One participant, Paulina Shilunga from The Desert Grace, described it as a “marvellous day” that helped her “know more about my beautiful country.” The experience offered valuable context on the journey guests take before arriving at the lodges.
Day 2: A Masterclass in Fabric Care
The second day shifted to technical skill-building through a professional laundry seminar hosted by Sentratek at Arebbusch Travel Lodge. The group expanded on this day, with members of the Windhoek Caretaker teams joining the session, bringing the total number of participants to 20.
The workshop provided practical, hands-on training using industrial equipment. Key focus areas included:
- Linen Management & Separation: Proper handling and organisation of different linen types.
- Laundry Chemistry: Understanding cleaning agents to maintain high hygiene standards.
- Stain Removal: Techniques to effectively treat and remove stubborn stains.
- Machine Management: Best practices for operating and maintaining industrial laundry equipment.
Bringing It All Home
Beyond the technical knowledge gained, the two days were an opportunity to share knowledge among colleagues from different regions. “It was like back-to-school days,” one participant noted, expressing excitement about applying and sharing new skills back at their lodges.
By investing in these behind-the-scenes heroes, Gondwana continues to strengthen the foundation of its guest experience, ensuring that every stay is defined by the care, quality, and attention to detail that make its lodges feel like home.
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