At Londolozi, we believe that our connection with the natural world extends beyond the boundaries of our magnificent wilderness. Our commitment to conservation is not just about safeguarding the environment but also about making a positive impact on the lives of those who live in the communities surrounding our reserve.
I came across an article written recently by the wonderful team of the Good Work Foundation, and it brought a smile to my face when I read it. Being a part of the Londolozi family is something I treasure wholeheartedly. Some of the factors contributing to this feeling is the work we get to do each and every day in making an enormous difference through the Londolozi Ripple Fund, safeguarding Africa’s treasures, preserving ancient wisdom, supporting local entrepreneurs to flourish, and the wonderful impact of the Good Work Foundation.
I am deeply moved by the ripple effect that Londolozi has had on so many people’s lives.
Today, I’d like to shed some light on our enduring partnership with the Good Work Foundation, for this article so beautifully encapsulates how reimagining education has allowed thousands to thrive.
So, how do donor partners like Londolozi help the GWF to ‘grow great human beings’?
The Londolozi Family has been part of the GWF story since its inception, when GWF co-founder and CEO Kate Groch tutored Bronwyn and Boyd Varty during their family travels around the world. Londolozi, together with Kate, opened a prototype learning centre in the heart of the Londolozi village. After the success of the prototype centre, the flagship campus – Hazyview Digital Learning Centre, was opened. Subsequently, numerous satellite campuses have been opened and continue to welcome students through their doors each and every day!
“My brother and I always joke that we were GWF’s first students, because we were Kate’s first experiment in teaching under trees in the most rural parts of Africa, experiencing different cultures and different ideas, always at grassroots level. That was where the idea of reimagining education was born – disrupting the education model and playing with the idea that access is whatever you make of it” Bronwyn reflects.
Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” Kate Groch said, “Give me a tree and a great teacher, and I’ll educate you.” You’ll find both a tree and a few great teachers at the one-of-a-kind rural digital learning campus in Hazyview. The concept is simple: pupils and adults have an opportunity to interact with the world, its technologies and, most importantly, its ideas at a state-of-the-art digital campus in the middle of a rural village.
The Good Work Foundation believes in a future where rural African people are confident participants in the fourth industrial revolution. They are agents of change seamlessly plugged into local communities and global networks. Together with those who are reimagining education with us, Londolozi and the Good Work Foundation will continue to create innovative digital learning campuses, responsive programmes, and demand-led social enterprises, all working together to create an accessible, opportunity-packed world for our next generation of rural Africans.
One of the most touching aspects of what I took away from this piece is the way it captures the essence of the partnership between Londolozi and the GWF. It eloquently portrays the collaborative efforts of donors, like Londolozi, painting a vivid picture of how these entities come together like pieces of a puzzle, each contributing to the greater whole.
Londolozi’s involvement with the Good Work Foundation is not just about writing checks or making token gestures. It’s about forming genuine relationships with the communities we serve. We are humbled by the dedication and passion of the educators and learners of the GWF, who embrace every opportunity to grow and flourish. This partnership has evolved into a true symbiosis, where we learn as much from the communities as they do from us.
“There’s a lot of authenticity around what the GWF does. I’ve seen many, many people upskilled. I’ve seen children’s marks going up. I’ve seen people start at Londolozi as gardeners and, after going through Good Work Foundation programmes, return to run our back office. So it’s really making a tangible difference in the rural parts of the country.” – Bronwyn Varty
One cannot underestimate the transformative power of education. The young people in the communities surrounding Londolozi are not just beneficiaries of our support; they are active participants in their own journey towards a brighter future. Through access to quality education, they are breaking barriers, shattering limitations, and carving out their own paths.
It’s remarkable to watch the human spirit come back to life if children are given a chance to dream.
Londolozi’s involvement with the Good Work Foundation is a testament to our belief in the power of sustainable, meaningful change. We recognise that real progress takes time, effort, and dedication. Our ongoing commitment to this partnership underscores our belief that the ripple effects of education and empowerment extend far beyond the individuals directly involved, enriching entire communities and, ultimately, our world.
I couldn’t help but feel immense pride when reading this heartfelt article about the progress we’ve made and the lives we’ve positively impacted together with the Good Work Foundation. Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to empower the people of the local communities with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern world, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the Greater Kruger area. We at Londolozi look forward to many more years of reimagining education and wonder-filled learning together with the Good Work Foundation.
Stay in the Ripple
To stay connected, we have established a Londolozi Ripple Fund Impact site where you can follow regular updates on projects and donations as they unfold and follow work that has already been successfully completed. If you would like to receive more information on the Londolozi Ripple Fund projects, please let us know at ripple@londolozi.co.za
If you would like some more detailed, one-on-one information, or if you would like to make a donation to the Londolozi Ripple Fund and start your own ripple effect, please reach out to us at ripple@londolozi.co.za
*The Ripple Fund is a private fund, administered by Londolozi, that provides seed funding without taking any fees. Your entire contribution will be provided to the cause that you choose. Should you require a tax certificate for your contribution, please donate to one of our two official NGO partners, The Good Work Foundation or The Tracker Academy.
