Capricorn Group ChangeMakers commemorates World Mental Health Day

In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, Capricorn Group ChangeMakers, in partnership with the ministry of health, the ministries of environment, agriculture, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister, launched the “Garden of Hope” at the Windhoek Central Mental Health Hospital on Friday, 10 October. This initiative is a significant step in combining mental health awareness with environmental stewardship, creating a space of healing, hope, and renewal for patients and the broader community.The idea for the Garden of Hope was born during a recent courtesy visit by Capricorn Group and the Capricorn Foundation to the Windhoek Mental Health Centre, following a request from theOffice of the Prime Minister to the Foundation to explore possible support to the Centre. The Centre’s management shared their ambition to transform an open space at the Centre into aproductive fruit and vegetable garden, supporting patient rehabilitation and providing fresh produce for patients.On 10 October, World Mental Health Day, Capricorn Group’s ChangeMaker outreach brought together Capricorn employees, government ministries, and donors to turn this vision intoreality. The event featured a range of activities designed to enhance the community's green spaces. The participants planted fruit trees, built therapeutic garden beds, and set up irrigationsystems and other essential infrastructure. They also created sensory gardens and meditation areas for a tranquil environment, and efforts were made to build raised beds and installnecessary garden equipment.The Capricorn Group brought on board expert permaculture consultant Stephan Eins to assess the land and advise on the garden’s layout and plant selection, ensuring the space wouldflourish and serve its intended purpose. The ministry of environment took Capricorn Group by the hand as co-sponsors of the event, generously contributing a rangeof plants and seedlings from their nursery, including the official Tree of the Year, in celebration of Arbour Day the following day. The ministry’s team not only provided these resources but alsoactively participated in the planting activities, offering their technical expertise and guidance throughout.In the handover event, the keynote speaker was Dr Hilen Ndjaba. Dr Njaba noted that exercise is a method recommended for mental well-being, and therefore, patients will beencouraged to tend to the garden. She also noted the power of collaboration and that this Garden of Hope is a testament to changing the future by collaborating through sharedpartnership.The highlight was the handover of the Garden of Hope by Marlize Horn, chief brand and corporate affairs officer of the Capricorn Group. Marlize emphasised the significance and vision of theGarden of Hope. She highlighted how gardening can be therapeutic and have a profound impact on mental health. "For the Capricorn Group, the Garden of Hope is not just a space for plants to grow, but a symbol of renewal, resilience, and community. Together with our partners, we are notonly cultivating fresh produce but also a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved. This initiative reminds us that healing happens in many forms, and that together, we cannurture hope where it is needed most.” What further provides comfort is the active role and responsibility that the Mental Health Officers are taking in ensuring the success of the gardenthrough the implementation of the ward gardening rotation schedule.

Capricorn Group ChangeMakers commemorates World Mental Health Day

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Capricorn Group ChangeMakers commemorates World Mental Health Day

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