About us
History Maker Foundation was founded in 2011 to honour Joseph Pancaldi’s love for God and passion for the outdoors. Find out more about why we exist and what we do to continue Joe’s work.
In 2008 after our son, Joseph Pancaldi tragically lost his life, we founded History Maker Foundation in 2011 to honour Joey’s warmest heart, love for God, nature and exploration. We wanted to continue to do the work Joe had begun with such ease and selflessness and therefore History Maker Foundation.
Where it all started
History Maker Foundation journey began In Perthshire, Scotland at Compass Christian Outdoor Centre, where Joey worked as an outdoor instructor and stretched on to South Africa where we lived for some years and Joey’s passion for the outdoors was truly ignited.
History Maker Foundation began funding outdoor weekends for disadvantaged young people in Scotland (in collaboration with Raw Scotland at the time) and in recent years our activities have taken place in South Africa.
From Scotland to
South Africa
In South Africa, we work with young people from the township Imizamo Yethu, which is located in Hout Bay where we as a family previously lived. Joey initially mentored and guided young people whom he met at Hout Bay International Church and is where he met his best friend and founder of Ikasi Youth, Nathan Roberts.
Nathan Roberts later Founded Ikasi Youth (an organisation dedicated to supporting township youth across South Africa with educational support, mentorship and opportunity) whom we continue to work with today.
In partnership with Ikasi Youth, we provide young people with the opportunity to go on guided walks and an adventure weekends at the end of their school year.
These young people who grow up in such a beautiful country, often do not have the chance to go on ‘holidays’ or to explore their surroundings and so the days trips and camps are looked forward to very eagerly and provide an opportunity for them to enjoy this and extend their interest in the outdoors.
The camps have taken place in a centre called Wortelgat on the eastern seaboard of the Western Cape, and High Africa in Worcester on the Breeder River.
Joey Pancaldi Mountain Leader Guide Award
In 2021 to commentate our 10 years as a registered Charity, the trustee's decided to create a specific award in Joey's name. This is the Joey Pancaldi mountain leader guide award, which is a fully sponsored opportunity for a young person to be trained as a mountain leader/guide in South Africa.
The training Is provided by Venture Forth which is accredited and gives the candidate a qualification that can be used to gain employment. In 2023 we sponsored our first young person, Lerato, who is thriving and doing brilliantly well as she trains for her qualification. Being out in the wider environment introduces young people to the wonder of nature and the natural environment and helps them to care for their part of this amazing country.
What we do
From mountain guide training to activity days, we want to provide the opportunity for young people in South Africa to experience the beauty nature has to offer.
Want to get involved?
Please do get in touch if you would like further information on History Maker Foundation. We would love to hear from you.
Make a donation.
Your kind support will enable History Maker Foundation to continue it's vital work in supporting previously disadvantaged young people to experience their wonderful natural environment. We further support our young people by offering training in outdoor leadership to those who show interest, therefore creating employment and opportunity.