Step inside the newly launched Wild Mongoo store.
In a world where countless challenges persist, one remarkable initiative has emerged to make a difference in the lives of local women, empowering them to create unique products and achieve a brighter future. Wild Mongoo has recently opened its doors to the public, igniting hope and positive change.
A journey of love and compassion
The story of Wild Mongoo begins with Lindsay Hogan, whose life was forever changed when she volunteered at a children's home and met a child who would later become her son. Immersed in the realm of charity work and adoption, Lindsay recognised that the true path to sustainable change lay in empowering mothers. While volunteering for a charity that produced hand-rolled paper beads, she witnessed the incredible talent and potential of women artisans. It was these very experiences and the love she felt for these remarkable women that inspired Lindsay to establish Wild Mongoo.
Joined by like-minded friends who shared her vision, Lindsay set out to create a platform where local women could share their talents with the world and transform their lives for the better. The idea of Wild Mongoo was born over cups of coffee, fuelled by the passion to bring about a meaningful change in the lives of African women.
Empowerment in action
Wild Mongoo gives women options – not just by providing work and skills training but also by addressing spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. The estimated two-year programme includes small business training, personal finance guidance, emotional support, and counselling.
Ongoing assessment and aptitude tests help to assist with long-term goal setting and life skills development according to their talents and interests. The ultimate goal is to have confident, equipped women who can provide for their families and contribute effectively to society.
The women earn a salary from the day they step into the studio, irrespective of their level of skill or experience. There are currently 20 women working in the studio, but Wild Mongoo hopes to help many more women as the programme grows.
Meet Geraldine Maswatie
When Geraldine Maswatie was in High School a teacher tried to assault her and offered her a huge financial bribe to withdraw criminal charges against him. “It was a lot of money that I could probably have used towards a better future, but I was worried that he would do the same to other girls and decided to go to court instead – we won the case! It was a tough time but looking back I can see that God was with me and that He always sends people across your way to help and encourage you.”
“I love being part of the Wild Mongoo team where I am a seamstress. I get to be myself, which is nurturing but also loud and outgoing. It is exciting to learn how to sew new items and I like challenging myself. It is my dream to open a little shop one day from where I can sell my own handmade products from little bags to clothes.”
Geraldine has a natural ability to sew, and it has been incredible to watch her grow in her skill and her enjoyment of it!
Meet Meagan Leen
Meagan Leen may be hard of hearing, but among her friends, she is known as the ‘chatterbox’ because of her happy banter and love of people.
Her disability had marginalised her until she got a spot at Wild Mongoo, where she creates beaded bangles and earrings. “I love learning new skills and take great pride in the things I make.”
“My mother passed away recently, and I have adopted my two teenage siblings. If it wasn’t for my work at Wild Mongoo and the wonderful support I have here, I don’t know what I would have done! Being part of the team makes me feel like my dreams can come true.”
We loved seeing how much Meagan enjoyed learning how to do nails through one of our new skills development programmes. Meagan has also been enrolled in a 1-year evangelism course to help evangelise the deaf community.
Celebrating the launch of the Wild Mongoo store
On the first of July 2023, the Wild Mongoo store opened its doors in George, Western Cape. The launch was a resounding success, with enthusiastic support from the community. Witnessing the fruits of their efforts, Wild Mongoo now boasts 18 talented women working diligently to create unique and exquisite products.
A visit to the store offers patrons the chance to discover and appreciate the immense talent of these local women while supporting a worthy cause. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift or simply wish to extend your support, pop in at 124B York Street. The store is open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, providing a welcoming space to experience the magic.
