Staff Writer
Capricorn Group employees, through the Change Makers employee volunteer programme, returned to the Windhoek Mental Health Centre on World Food Day to enhance and maintain the Garden of Hope, a project established in partnership with the Centre in 2025.
The initiative forms part of Capricorn Group’s ongoing commitment to creating positive social impact through employee volunteerism and community partnerships.
The Garden of Hope was created as a space that promotes hope, growth, care and renewal for patients at the Windhoek Mental Health Centre.
This year’s outreach focused on building on the foundation laid by employees last year and further improving the garden as a space that supports wellbeing and healing.
This year, the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism again partnered with Capricorn Group to donate a variety of fruit trees to the garden.
Speaking at the event, Group chief brand and corporate affairs officer, Marlize Horn, said the project reflects Capricorn Group’s purpose of being Connectors of Positive Change.
“When we created this garden, we wanted it to be more than simply a physical space. We wanted it to represent hope, growth, care and renewal. Today, as our ChangeMakers work together to enhance the garden and build on what was started last year, we are demonstrating something that sits at the heart of our purpose at Capricorn Group, which is creating positive change that is meaningful and lasting,” said Horn
She noted that the timing of the outreach was particularly significant as it coincided with World Food Day and the month during which World Mental Health Day is observed.
She said the initiative highlighted the important connection between physical and mental wellbeing, with the Garden of Hope serving as both a source of nourishment and a space that promotes dignity, purpose and healing.
By creating and maintaining environments that encourage growth and connection, organisations and communities can play a meaningful role in supporting overall wellbeing.
“Mental wellbeing is an essential part of overall wellbeing, and spaces that encourage connection, purpose, dignity and hope can play an important role in creating supportive communities.”
Dr Hileni Ndjaba, head of the Windhoek Central Hospital Mental Health Centre said: “We are grateful to Capricorn for returning to support the improvement of our Garden of Hope. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and initiatives like this garden promote wellbeing not only among our patients but also among staff by providing a calming and restorative environment. We truly appreciate this continued support and the positive difference it makes in our hospital community.”
