Nedbank employee initiative gives back to vulnerable communities

3 February 2025 

Through a Nedbank employee initiative called the Nedbank Team Challenge, a team of the bank’s employees contributed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable Namibians children, through a partnership with Amos Meerkat - a project under the Namibia Life Change Centres Foundation (NLCCF).

The Nedbank Team Challenge is a staff initiative that empowers Nedbank employees to make a tangible difference in their communities. Open to teams of 8 or more colleagues, the challenge runs over six months, during which participants work together to address a pressing societal issue by volunteering and partnering up with a non-profit organization.

The NGO Amos Meerkat focuses on equipping preschools in farming communities with a specialised curriculum that ensures children develop critical skills in their home language while also preparing them for Grade 1. The programme addresses a crucial early development gap by equipping preschool teachers to provide these children with a chance to thrive in the formal education system.

The team of 8 Nedbank employees set target of raising N$10 500 to help Amos Meerkat. Through fundraising efforts, they surpassed their goal and raised a total of N$18 300. The funds were used to buy storage boxes as well durable bags for transporting study materials to remote areas. The money also helped procure stationery packs for learners, including pens, pencils, glue, and rulers. An amount of N$2 000 was also donated to support teacher training expenses and provide knitted dolls for trauma counselling to help affected children overcome personal challenges.

Nedbank Team Challenge participants receive seed funding of N$5,000 to kick start their projects. The impact of their projects evaluated based on the positive change they bring to their chosen cause. The challenge is not just about teamwork, but it demonstrates the power of collective action. At the end of the year, the most impactful teams are recognised at the Nedbank Community Builder Awards, reinforcing Nedbank’s commitment to driving meaningful change beyond banking.

Nedbank Namibia Manager for Safe Custodial Services, and team member, Christine Carstens said: ‘Working with Amos Meerkat helped us live by our ethos of being money experts who do good, and was both and inspiring and deeply humbling experience. Our team had the opportunity to engage representatives of Amos Meerkat and witnessed firsthand the incredible potential of these resources to shape young lives. The emotional handover ceremony solidified our commitment to doing even more in the years to come,’ said Carstens.’

Speaking about the positive impact of the Nedbank Team Challenge, Nedbank Namibia Communications and Public Relations Manager, Selma Kaulinge said, “The Nedbank Team Challenge is a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can create real and lasting impact. It’s an opportunity for our employees to not only strengthen bonds with their colleagues but also to make a difference where it matters most. By combining our skills, resources, and passion, we go beyond banking to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

Amos Meerkat representative Alet van der Merwe expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Nedbank teams, emphasizing how their contributions – no matter the size - makes a tangible difference.