Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Nov. 6 — On November 3, 2023, a significant event took place as the Capricorn Foundation and the Lithon Foundation joined hands to host the NGO Capacity Building Workshop in Namibia. Under the theme “Strengthening NGO Management for Socio-economic Development in Namibia,” the workshop garnered substantial attendance, reflecting the shared determination to enhance the capabilities of Non-profit organizations (NPOs).
This workshop served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, empowering NPOs to efficiently manage their organizations and navigate the intricate donor landscape, both locally and internationally. The Capricorn Foundation and the Lithon Foundation have earned recognition for their commitment to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, consistently contributing to the betterment of Namibian communities. Their collaboration with NPOs, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social welfare entities, underscores their belief in the pivotal role played by these organizations in advancing Namibia’s socio-economic development.
Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation, expressed their appreciation for NPOs and NGOs at the event, stating, “We commend NPOs and NGOs for their vital societal contributions. The Capricorn Foundation is dedicated to being a Catalyst for Positive Change. Therefore, workshops like this have become our priority, where we can support other NGOs by sharing knowledge and empowering them to navigate this landscape.”
NPOs hold immense importance by collaborating with the government and other entities to address a wide range of community needs, including climate-related challenges, malnutrition, unemployment, and various pressing issues. These organizations actively engage with communities, providing technical expertise, conducting ongoing research, and developing sustainable models tailored to evolving community needs.
“As organizations, we recognize the critical role NPOs play and consider them essential partners that enable us to implement initiatives and programs that effectively address the diverse needs of communities. Resources may be limited, but by joining forces, we can have a more significant impact,” noted Marsia Reed, CEO of the Lithon Foundation.
The workshop covered essential topics such as financial management, compliance requirements, branding and marketing strategies for NGOs, understanding funding sources, fostering positive work environments, and enhancing communication skills. The discussions underscored the strategic and purposeful nature of the partnership between corporations and NPOs, working together towards common objectives and aiming to create sustainable communities. A recording of the workshop will be available on the Capricorn Group’s YouTube channel and the Capricorn Foundation’s Facebook page starting November 13, 2023, for NPOs and NGOs interested in revisiting the discussions.
As a representative of NPOs in Namibia, Viola Dimulunde, a trainer at Women at Work, expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank the Capricorn Foundation and the Lithon Foundation for this invaluable workshop. NPOs primarily focus on community service rather than profit-making, often assuming versatile roles to achieve their objectives. This adaptability has become a norm within our organizations, enabling us to effectively serve communities while aligning with the nation’s developmental goals. The skills and advice gained here today will assist us in continuing to make significant strides, and we look forward to implementing these valuable insights. We greatly appreciate the collaborative efforts between NPOs and corporate organizations working hand in hand to create sustainable and thriving communities in Namibia.”
