We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Becky Harmon to the Zingela Ulwazi team! Hailing from Portland, Oregon, USA, and having lived in South Africa on and off over 8 years, Becky brings a phenomenal set of skills and abilities to her position as Project Manager, including a Masters in Social Work, (she holds a Clinical Social Worker license), and 20 years experience in the non-profit sector. She has also worked on international HIV projects in Botswana, Lesotho, and China.
Throughout her work history, Becky has always been hired to be “the first”, or the one to come in and build, or rebuild organizations or programs. She has a unique ability to connect with and build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life–all races, ages, and ethnicities–and to share joy and humor, even in the most difficult life situations. She learns new things very quickly and is a calm, adept problem solver.
During her time as the Director of a Non-Profit Organization in South Africa, Becky was approached by a community group who wanted to start an Orphan Centre to care for the hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children in their village. Becky orchestrated the fund raising of over $400,000 U.S. and oversaw all planning and construction for the creation of a unique, landmark Orphan Center. It now serves over 200 children per day with meals, homework tutoring, and arts and sports activities. It is fully owned and operated by the community. She also developed and established the Acornhoek Leadership Forum, a yearlong program to develop leadership capabilities among bright, committed South Africans who were dedicated to uplifting their communities.
Becky has also been a small business owner and taught small business enterprise development to women in prison in America. She has completed extensive coursework on permaculture and on climate change and environmental issues, and cares deeply about inspiring and supporting people in rural communities to be careful stewards of our precious planet.
Becky brought permaculture to Acornhoek, and through workshops, friendships and passion has inspired dozens of people to grow their own food. She mentored Trygive Nxumalo to become a permaculture trainer, and he in turn has taught hundreds of people and enabled over 200 home gardens in his village Rooiboklaagte B.
Becky is one of the most loving, big hearted people I have ever met. Her kindness, enjoyment of life, her passion for her work, creative ways of looking at challenges and innovative thinking are such a pleasure to be around. Becky – we welcome you, and we thank you so much for being joining our team and sharing your skills, insight and passion with us. May your time with Zingela Ulwazi be full of happiness, creativity and innovation – you are most valued! Stella
