The Daunara Foundation has committed to continuing its meaningful empowerment of residents, moving beyond simple donations and handouts to foster long-term self-sufficiency.
The foundation recently hosted a stakeholder engagement workshop with various government departments to foster collaborative dialogue and strengthen partnerships. The session aimed to assist the foundation in aligning its priorities and enhancing the effective implementation of community projects.
In his remarks, Daunara Foundation community projects coordinator Tirelo Ramasimong stated that since its establishment in 2013, the organisation has worked closely with the Daunara community. He averred that giving back to the community entails more than just handing out toiletries and food hampers, explaining that they instead empower residents through job creation and business funding.
Ramasimong highlighted that the foundation currently manages Daunara Camp, where the majority of employees are local residents. He added that the camp also generates revenue used directly to implement further community development projects.
He mentioned that their core principles are the “4Cs”: community, conservation, collaboration, and commerce. Ramasimong indicated that they deploy mobile clinics to the area periodically to ensure community members have access to essential healthcare services. Additionally, they support Daunara-based small and medium enterprises by purchasing their produce.
He added that they regularly train the community on eco-friendly techniques they can adopt in their businesses to help reduce environmental pressure. Ramasimong also noted that they support a group of senior citizens with transport and other basic necessities.
The projects coordinator further indicated that they have successfully maintained the 50km buffalo fence within their vicinity to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Furthermore, the foundation has contributed towards funding local cultural events.
Meanwhile, Daunara Foundation farm assistant manager Bontsibokae Motlalepula mentioned that the foundation manages a garden currently producing cabbage, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and various culinary and medicinal herbs.
He noted that they also rear free-range chickens, adding that they are easier to manage due to access to open air and natural feed. Motlalepula confirmed that the farm has also employed local residents.
The farm assistant manager indicated that the operation has adopted sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment while producing healthy food. He stated that Daunara Camp is their main sponsor, responsible for purchasing all farming equipment, feed, and manure.
He additionally stated they buy vegetable produce, eggs, and chicken in bulk to feed tourists. Motlalepula emphasised that the garden also supplies Daunara playgroup students and seniors with healthy meals.
Motlalepula alluded to the fact that they currently supply about seven senior citizens with 20 to 24 eggs per month. However, he indicated they face several challenges, including insufficient funds for growth, a lack of skilled personnel, and equipment shortages.
