Neil Berry

How a Navigator graduate from London made new connections in Cape Town through Common Purpose

How a Navigator graduate from London made new connections in Cape Town through Common Purpose
Neil Berry took part in the Common Purpose Navigator course in 2006 whilst he was working with the London Development Agency. Neil is a regular visitor to South Africa, and after finding out during the course that Common Purpose operates there was determined to link up with them.

In 2011, on notice of redundancy, Neil decided to take a whole month off to volunteer in South Africa and in particular in Cape Town.  A few of his friends suggested some charities that might need some help but none were in the Cape Town area, so he emailed the local Common Purpose Course Director, Melanie Burke, to see if she was aware of anyone who might need some support. Melanie recognised that the easiest way to arrange this would be to put him in touch with the participants of the current International Navigator course taking place there, and invited him to attend the first day.

"Watching the presentations and discussions took me back to my own Navigator experience," said Neil. "My initial curiosity resurfaced as well as memories of all the positive experiences. I was reminded of the interesting and unexpected people I met on my course, many of whom I remain firm friends with.

"Delivered with good humour and esprit, the theme was 'power' and given the history of South Africa, the political context was a much stronger theme for the Cape Town group than it had been in London. I was enthralled by the stories and achievements of many of the participants, both during the fight for freedom and since, as they work collectively to address the issues facing many South Africans today."

Neil met Tove de Chazal from Stop Hunger Now, and spent some time with her understanding how her NGO works and looking for ways to help create economic value in such organisations.

"I met so many wonderful and inspirational participants and as I left was a little envious that their Navigator journey was only just beginning," said Neil. "I am indebted to Common Purpose South Africa and the all participants for welcoming me so warmly."

Neil Berry took part in the Common Purpose Navigator course in 2006 whilst he was working with the London Development Agency. Neil is a regular visitor to South Africa, and after finding out during the course that Common Purpose operates there was determined to link up with them.

In 2011, on notice of redundancy, Neil decided to take a whole month off to volunteer in South Africa and in particular in Cape Town.  A few of his friends suggested some charities that might need some help but none were in the Cape Town area, so he emailed the local Common Purpose Course Director, Melanie Burke, to see if she was aware of anyone who might need some support. Melanie recognised that the easiest way to arrange this would be to put him in touch with the participants of the current International Navigator course taking place there, and invited him to attend the first day.

"Watching the presentations and discussions took me back to my own Navigator experience," said Neil. "My initial curiosity resurfaced as well as memories of all the positive experiences. I was reminded of the interesting and unexpected people I met on my course, many of whom I remain firm friends with.

"Delivered with good humour and esprit, the theme was 'power' and given the history of South Africa, the political context was a much stronger theme for the Cape Town group than it had been in London. I was enthralled by the stories and achievements of many of the participants, both during the fight for freedom and since, as they work collectively to address the issues facing many South Africans today."

Neil met Tove de Chazal, from an organisation called Lawco, and Roscoe Palm, who works in media liaison at COPE (a political party in South Africa), discussing how Tove's NGO works and economic development within South Africa.

"I met so many wonderful and inspirational participants and as I left was a little envious that their Navigator journey was only just beginning," said Neil. "I am indebted to Common Purpose South Africa and all the participants for welcoming me so warmly."