Meraki Foundation: Beyond the spa
Meraki Wellness Empowering Foundation is a Namibian women’s empowerment organisation dedicated to equipping women with practical wellness skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, and employment opportunities. Founded by a wellness entrepreneur and spa owner, the Foundation was established to address unemployment among women by providing accredited-style training, mentorship, and access to income-generating opportunities within the wellness industry.
We believe that when a woman is economically empowered, families and communities thrive.
Our Vision
To become a leading women’s empowerment foundation in Namibia that transforms lives through wellness education, skills development, and sustainable employment creation.
Our Mission
To train, mentor, and support unemployed and underprivileged women by providing practical wellness skills, business knowledge, and pathways to income and entrepreneurship.
Our Core Objectives
Train 20 women annually in professional wellness and spa treatments.
Equip women with entrepreneurship and customer service skills.
Create employment and self-employment opportunities.
Promote financial independence among women.
Contribute to community upliftment and poverty reduction.
Our Programme Focus
Women in Wellness Skills Development Programme
This programme provides structured, hands-on training in:
Spa and wellness treatments
Nail technology
Skin care and facial treatments
Customer service excellence
Basic business and entrepreneurship skills
Solution-based sales
Mental health awareness
Participants receive:
Practical training and mentorship.
Certificates of completion.
Employment or income-generation support.
Assistance in launching their own businesses.
Founder’s Background: Hendrina Nghifitikeko
Hendrina Nghifitikeko is the Founder and Executive Director of the Meraki Wellness Empowering Foundation and the owner of Meraki Wellness Centre. With hands-on industry experience and a passion for empowering women, she has successfully trained 10 women in wellness skills and created employment opportunities within the spa industry. Her vision is to scale this impact and train at least 20 women annually through structured support and corporate partnerships.
Current Capacity
Operational training space and existing spa facilities.
Proven "proof of concept" having already trained 10 women.
Structured training modules and experienced wellness trainers.
Partnership and Funding Opportunities
We welcome partnerships with Corporate Social Investment (CSI/CSR) programmes, private sector sponsors, government agencies, and skills development funders. Support may include programme funding, equipment sponsorship, training materials, and employment placement collaboration.
Funding Aim
To train 20 women annually, the Foundation requires funding support to cover training materials, equipment, stipends, certification, and programme coordination. (A detailed budget is available upon request).
Governance and Leadership
The Foundation is governed by a four-member Board of Directors responsible for oversight, accountability, and strategic direction. Day-to-day operations are managed by the Executive Director, who reports directly to the Board. The Foundation maintains a dedicated bank account, board-approved budgets, and transparent financial reporting.
Impact Model
INPUT: Training and Mentorship
OUTPUT: Skilled, Certified Individuals
OUTCOME: Employment and Self-Generated Income
IMPACT: Economic Empowerment and Community Upliftment
About Meraki Wellness Centre
Meraki Wellness Centre is a wellness company based in Windhoek, Namibia, operating two branches. Owned and managed by Hendrina Nghifitikeko, the company is proudly celebrating five years in business this year.
The first branch is located on Olof Palme Street, operating from a spacious facility designed to provide a professional wellness environment. The second branch is located on Liliecrone Street, Robert Mugabe Avenue, offering accessible quality services.
The owner has personally trained and mentored all employees through structured in-house programmes. These initiatives have equipped staff with the practical skills and professional standards required to operate effectively in a high-pressure environment. This successful track record provides a strong foundation for the Foundation’s expansion into formal skills development.
