Reading newspapers, social media or watching news on TV or stream in the first days of the New Year confirms what those say, who never celebrate New Year: “Nothing will change except the date!”

And indeed nothing seems to have changed, even the opposite rules supreme: more bombs in Ukraine and Gaza, more killing, more suffering. The political and social drama in the USA does create rather fear than optimism, and I could now list here a litany of what’s wrong in this world.

And still I believe that the New Year is meant to be a reminder, that nothing has to stay the same, that there is always the chance to change for the better. A chance which is so often forgotten when we are battling our daily life and challenges.

And this applies not only in the private sphere — it applies to those running companies or carrying responsibility social or politically — and looking at the world, the social and economic challenges, the complexity of the world; they need this reminder.

To be able to change and to assist the change in society or economy, it is important to be able to think and see outside the box. It is essential to have time to look far ahead and plot a way forward. And it is critical to have friends and colleagues who are not nodding ‘yes’ at everything you think is right.

Running an NGO is like running a company. There is a business plan, a strategic plan, a financial plan. There are employees counting on receiving their salary at the end of the month and boards to satisfy. And those who “invest” in development to reassure, to report back to and to gain new friends, partners, and supporters. Last, but not least, not to forget those we work with. They are more than “customers’, they are people we walk with for a while to explore possibilities, to strengthen their resolve and to allow for hope translated into real life action.

So what are our steps into and our vision for 2024 as HOPE Cape Town?

Hopefully for most of our employees to still have a great time off work – with family and friends together charging their batteries and to come back to work relaxed and with joy in their heart.

We have had big dreams in the last years, and we still do with the extension of the garden project. The “Bettina Benzoni-Ruffert Community Garden — Environmental Training Centre” will grow in 2024. Training, education and environmental questions are the guiding forces behind this addition.

We will sharpen our fundraising. Living only from donations if and when they come in is difficult when you have reached adulthood as a foundation. We would like to connect with people who understand that social investments and letting money work for years or decades to come is an investment into the next generation in a connected world.

Our strategy plan for the next 5 years is on the homestretch. We hope to impact meaningful social and economically and to connect even more with those who do similar. After some years on the new campus we learnt lessons now implemented and further explored.

We will see all our challenges as opportunities and therefore overcome them. We are looking forward to continuing making our campus “The Nex – Indawo Yethu” and all satellites welcoming locations and places of learning and mutual understanding.

If you want to have a quick view of our work – please check this 3-minute video here; subscribe to the channel to be always the first to know…

If you want to be part of this inspiring journey in any form or shape, please let me know.

All the best for 2024!

Filed under: General, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, Networking, Reflection, Uncategorized, 2024, Africa, cape town, challenge, development, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, HOPE Cape Town Trust, investment, New Year, south africa