ABOUT US
Empowering Communities, Inspiring Change: Together, We Build a Thriving Future
Meet the Team
Jeremy Maarman
Executive Director
With over 18 years of experience in community development. As the founding Director of the Initiative for Community Advancement in Piketberg, Western Cape, South Africa, he’s grown the organization from a national youth network into a vibrant community foundation. Jeremy has been instrumental in securing licenses for innovative international development models, such as YouthBank and the MyMachine program. He’s also a contributing author to the book “What Is Your Dream Machine? How Children Change Education Worldwide.” Beyond his impactful career, Jeremy is an avid golfer, finding solace and joy on the golf course. He’s also a loving husband and father, cherishing his family alongside his commitment to community empowerment and innovative development approaches.
Lauren Philander
Community Impact Coordinator
A versatile professional with a diverse skill set. She pursued her education at the University of Stellenbosch, where she soon realized her calling in the field of community development. With eight years of dedicated experience in this sector, she currently holds the position of Community Impact Coordinator at the Initiative for Community Advancement. In this role, Lauren tirelessly dedicates herself to enriching the communities in the Bergrivier region with knowledge, resources, and support, all aimed at fostering positive change and sustaining ongoing development efforts.
Chimell Scotsman
Operations Officer
Chimell Scotsman is an accomplished professional with a diverse educational background and practical experience in community development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Psychology, Sociology, and Language & Communication Studies. Further advancing her expertise, she earned a BA Honours in Psychology. Chimell brings over two years of hands-on experience in the community development sector, where she has demonstrated her commitment to fostering positive change and enhancing social well-being through various initiatives and projects. Her unique blend of academic knowledge and practical skills equips her to contribute effectively to the field of community development and beyond.
Margaret Maans
Resource Mobilisation Officer
Margaret Maans is a goal-driven and people-centered professional who strives to do her absolute best in life. With qualifications in NPO Management, Asset-Based Community Development, and Life Coaching, she brings a diverse and comprehensive skill set to her work. Over the past 14 years, Margaret has dedicated her career to the NPO sector, driven by a deep passion for human development.
Margaret is known for being trustworthy, reliable, and responsible, with a strong ability to function well under pressure. Her commitment to learning from others and her openness to new experiences have shaped her into a well-rounded individual. Punctuality and diligence are hallmarks of her work ethic, and she consistently aims to exceed expectations in every task she undertakes.
Working effectively in a team is one of Margaret’s strengths, and she is focused on accomplishing key objectives collaboratively. Her dedication to personal and professional growth ensures that she continuously strives to make a positive impact in all her endeavors.
Rayvern-Lee Kayster
Intern - Administration Services
A graduate intern from West Coast College. Rayvern-Lee is an energetic young individual who is obsessed with leveling the playing field. He has a passion for helping people and does so to the best of his ability. He is willing to work and always gives his all.
History of ICA
The ICA evolved from the South African Youth Leaders Network (SAYLN) into a community foundation operating in the West Coast district of the Western Cape. The SALYN, established in June 2015, was a membership-based network of youth-focused NGOs in the country. Since its reconfiguration into a Community Foundation in early 2018, ICA has been instrumental in the development of a number of sustainable development programmes in the district. ICA has an intergenerational approach to development in a rural context, having shifted focus from exclusively young people.
It has established local community development funds, is engaged in local fundraising initiatives and was successful in securing funding for humanitarian responses during the COVID-19 lockdown. The organisation channelled both community and local government funding for this purpose. ICA has been driving local entrepreneurship, convening several events for entrepreneurs, and referring small businesses for funding to local development agencies like the National Youth Development Agency. The organisation has been engaged with and received acknowledgement from two local municipalities (Bergrivier and Cederberg Municipalities) in the district. These initiatives are geared towards community-led development where communities unlock local assets, use indigenous knowledge, exercise their leadership and demand power, and engage in processes to improve the quality of life at the local level. ICA Programmes ICA currently has two main programmes: Citizenship Engagement Programme and Community Affiliated fund programme.
We believe the generosity of people can transform communities
Mission
ICA mobilises and channels resources, facilitates community participation, and strengthens organisational capacity.
Vision
Communities, through their collective agency and generosity, are thriving and resilient.