Igniting the potential of Namibian children

through the transformative power of education

About Us

Joy to the World School started as a small kindergarten under a tree founded by Sister Gertrude, an Anglican nun who saw the need for early education for children living in nearby homesteads. With support from friends like Alison Royle and others, the school has grown to serve 250+ students from kindergarten through grade 7.

Today, Solange Jacobs leads Joy to the World Namibia, a 501(c)(3) organization fundraising to support the school with capital projects, annual scholarships, and operating expenses. Our mission is to unlock the potential of Namibian children through education. Join us.

Sister Gertrude

School Director
Born in Lesotho in 1964, Sister Gertrude joined the Convent of the Holy Name of Jesus, where her spiritual journey began. In 2004, she moved to Namibia, responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis and laying the foundation for her future work in education. In 2007, she founded a kindergarten in Onekwaya, which grew into the Joy to the World English Private Primary School with the support of Alison Royle. Today, the school serves 250+ students, offering education through seventh grade and transforming lives in northern Namibia. Sister Gertrude’s legacy of compassion and dedication continues to inspire.

Alison Royle

Founder
Lifelong adventurer Alison Royle has dedicated her life to service and cultural exploration. After decades of global travels with her late husband, Doc, providing dental care in remote regions, Alison shifted her focus to humanitarian work following his passing. In 2007, she supported Sister Gertrude as she started Joy to the World Kindergarten in Namibia, transforming it from a small refuge under a tree into a thriving boarding school for over 250 children, some orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Alison’s passion for education and self-sustainability has inspired countless supporters, and her legacy continues through Solange Jacobs, who now leads the organization, ensuring Alison’s vision lives on.

Solange Jacobs

Executive Director
Solange Jacobs has dedicated her life to creating meaningful change. Born in Cape Town during apartheid, her early experiences with activism and equality shaped her commitment to making a difference. After a successful career in technology marketing, she founded her own agency to support mission-driven organizations, reflecting her unwavering dedication to transforming lives and fostering equity. Today, as Executive Director of Joy to the World Namibia, Solange builds on Alison Royle’s legacy, leading efforts to sustain the school and empower its students.

Our Impact

At Joy to the World, donor contributions have enabled life-changing initiatives in the following areas:

Help fund our upcoming projects!

Current Needs

Scholarships $12,000 to go

Each $1,200 scholarship gives a child tuition, boards, uniforms, and meals for a full year. We need to secure 10 more scholarships this year.
Donate

High Speed Internet $5,500 to get started

Students, teachers and administrators need high speed access. Our students are missing out on learning opportunities and so much more.
DONATE

Washing Machines $2,000 for 4 machines

We have nearly 300 students, teachers, and staff, and all laundry is done by hand. Help us buy machines to make doing washing more efficient.
DONATE

Greenhouse $3,000 to construct

A greenhouse will provide fresh produce year-round, increase our crop yield, and improve nutrition on campus.
DONATE

Stewardship Trips​

Join us on a life-changing trip to Namibia to witness the impact of your support firsthand and engage with the students and staff.
I’M INTERESTED
Testimonials

What People
Say About Us

Joy to the World ensures every dollar makes a difference by keeping overhead low and directly supporting Namibian children. I'm proud to support an organization that maximizes impact with every contribution.

Karen Nyman, Donor

My kindergarten years at Joy to the World School set me on my educational path. I am now studying Pharmacy at the University of Namibia!

Komutima Mangundo, Former Student

I started teaching here in 2013 when we were just a small kindergarten with three classrooms. Today, we are a full primary school with many learners, teachers, and even a hostel. Thanks to our donors and hardworking staff, we’ve built a safe, happy school where children can learn, dream, and thrive. I’m proud to be part of this family.

Liina Hamunyela, Kindergarten Teacher

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