About Us

Our Story

Shaping a hopeful future together

The I61 Foundation was created in 2019 by Tam Geldenhuys, who has decade-long experience volunteering in vulnerable communities in Mauritius. Tam identified the challenges NPOs face in securing funds and discovered that many funders lacked the time and capacity to assess NPOs’ needs and ensure the effective use of funds. Tam recognised that these challenges often delayed assistance or limited the scope of positive change within vulnerable communities, prolonging their hardships.

Taking inspiration from the scripture, Isaiah 61, Tam joined forces with five community-driven individuals to form the I61 Foundation, bridging the gap between NPOs and funders by providing comprehensive guidance and support throughout the project process.

Together with its partners, the I61 Foundation is dedicated to creating a collective impact by forging partnerships between NPOs and funders, fostering goodwill in Mauritius and beyond while addressing poverty, education, social justice, and crisis support.

“Bringing hope to vulnerable communities through our mission to Restore, Renew and Rebuild ”

Tam Geldenhuys

Founder

Mission

Philosophy

Values

Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

The I61 Foundation is dedicated to providing sustainable solutions that uplift and restore communities burdened by poverty and injustice. During times of crisis, we also facilitate projects that renew and rebuild affected communities.

Lastly, I61 Foundation drives access to quality education ensuring everyone has the opportunity to excel and create a better future for themselves.

By connecting funders with carefully selected NPO projects that align with their vision and purpose, we ensure successful partnerships and lasting positive outcomes.

At the heart of our mission lies the core principle of transparency and significant impact

Restore. Renew. Rebuild.

Isaiah 61:1-4

Our mission is driven by the scripture from Isaiah 61:4-1. It is the heart and passion behind I61 Foundation.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”

Source: NIV Bible

INTEGRITY
We adhere to rigorous standards of transparency and accountability in our collaborations with both funders and NPOs.

COLLABORATION
We have faith in the strength of collaborative efforts and foster partnerships that catalyse sustainable transformation.

IMPACT
We focus on initiatives and organisations that deliver measurable results, ensuring that the contributions made by our funders support enduring change.

INNOVATION
We continually seek out new approaches and technologies to improve our platform and services, making it easier for funders and NPOs to connect and succeed.

INCLUSIVITY
We embrace diversity and strive to create a space where all voices are heard, valued, and supported.

Our Team

Our people embody the values that make I61 Foundation a trusted and effective organisation

At I61 Foundation, our team is the backbone of our organisation, connecting our partners and activating the support they need to impact the lives of vulnerable communities. Each individual brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives contributing to our collective success.

Amelia Beguinot

Project Manager

Charonne Azie-Barique

Administrator

Wendy Lumsden

IT Support

Foundation Board

Our board members play an essential role in shaping the foundation’s strategic direction and ensuring responsible stewardship of our resources

The I61 Foundation Board meets once a month to review funders and projects, ensuring the allocation of funds is aligned with the heart of the Foundation’s mission to restore, renew and rebuild vulnerable communities.

Tam Geldenhuys

Founder

Tam was born in Zimbabwe, raised in South Africa and has lived in Mauritius for the last 15 years. She has volunteered in underprivileged communities around the world since a child. Running an antiretroviral access program throughout Southern Africa, instilled in Tam a deeper determination to address and solve challenges faced by those living in poverty.

Nash Nullatamby

Secretary

Nash, born in Mauritius, spent 17 years in the UK qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with a masters degree in Strategic Management. He has 20 years experience in auditing and consulting for large, blue chip international companies. Nash has been engaged in numerous social projects to better the lives of those in need.

Hudson Ekwoge

Council Member

Hudson, a Cameroonian living in Mauritius, says his satisfaction comes from helping anyone in need: from organising events to create awareness and raise funds for the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone to helping sponsor children in Ugandan orphanages. This desire is what attracted Hudson to I61 Foundation, and he hopes to continue to be a blessing to others.

Collette Maurel

Council Member

Collette has a heart for helping people realise their potential and self-worth, and is also the founder of the Miaraka Foundation. She has also co-authored and written songs for the Christian musical, Miaraka: A Time to Dance, from which the proceeds went to empowerment projects for impoverished women in Madagascar.

Audrey Dumée-Duval

Council Member

Mauritian-born Audrey is a recently qualified architect having already changed the lives of many families through her profession. Audrey is the founder of C5lakaz, a social housing project, and is engaged in other similar social projects. Her incredible heart to help underprivileged communities means Audrey dedicates her time and energy to help empower people.

Ricardo Ramiah

Council Member

Ricardo has been committed to serving from a young age. More so, his work as Land Surveyor has taken him to some very remote areas of the island of Mauritius, thus witnessing real life situations of much needed help by families and individuals. He feels privileged to take this personal commitment to another level with I61 Foundation.

Advisory Board

Our trusted advisors and advocates provide input and recommendations that help shape our strategies and drive our mission forward

The I61 Foundation’s Advisory Board is a group of professionals, highly respected in their field of work, who lend their valuable insights, knowledge and expertise to help advance our mission. Our trusted advisors and advocates provide input and recommendations that help shape our strategies and drive our mission forward.

A Tribute to a Dear Friend and Founding Member

Graham Watkins

Thank you Graham, for believing in the I61 Foundation when it was still a dream. We are so grateful for the foundations of integrity, passion, and love you helped us set in place. Always ensuring we made the right decisions, not the easy ones. We will continue to honour you in all we do.

We Need Your Help

Take the first step today and help us transform lives, uplift communities and foster hope.

Cookery School for Youth Empowerment

Goal:₨ 909,648

Raised:₨ 66,823

To Go:₨ 842,825

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Together we can be the change the world needs

Poverty Alleviation

EDUCATION FOR ALL

SOCIAL JUSTICE

CRISIS SUPPORT

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Our Story

Mission

Philosophy

Values

Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

Isaiah 61:1-4

Our Team

Amelia Beguinot

Charonne Azie-Barique

Wendy Lumsden

Foundation Board

Tam Geldenhuys

Nash Nullatamby

Hudson Ekwoge

Collette Maurel

Audrey Dumée-Duval

Ricardo Ramiah

Advisory Board

Graham Watkins

We Need Your Help

Cookery School for Youth Empowerment

Your Story Starts Here

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