See below what others say about the CSD-Foundation
CSD-Foundation has not only made impact on Cabo Verde, but also left a really positive impact on me as a person. During what was a very difficult time in the entire world, CSD was making people smile every week with our project; Dá Valor. I’m so grateful I could be part of this project and to have experienced this wave of positivity with an amazing group of individuals. Noy is such a kind hearted person who is always open to ideas and motivates everybody around her to get the most out of themselves. With her encouragement and her faith in me we started the project with Organicup, and donated 500 menstruation cups to local women. I’m so proud of what we achieved together and hope that we sparked the imagination of others to pass on this positive message that we spread around. Hopefully CSD can continue to make an impact for many more years to come!
Lisa
The past five years I have worked on many different projects with Noy and CSD Foundation. Sometimes big, sometimes small, always with a great impact. There are two projects that I would like to highlight here.
The Food programme in Covid time started as a ‘small’ crowdfunding, after people had reached out for help. Noy and myself set up a crowdfunding and we gathered a team. It became bigger and bigger and we got help from another big foundation that donated money. For a full year, we weekly donated foodbags to families on Sal Island. Almost 80.000 euro was spent on food and a team of 15 people worked hard for a year.
In that same year we started a personal development training for the people in the group that donated food. This resulted in people feeling more confident to go to job interviews and/ or starting up their own businesses. After the first group we ran another group, and it was amazing to see that during the 6 weeks program, people got new jobs!
Working with Noy is a pleasure. She knows exactly what is needed where and how. She knows how to listen and she is a person that gives people confidence to take their next step. Whether it be small individual projects or bigger ones, she knows what is needed and whom to connect.
Thank you, Noy, for all you initiated. Let’s continue the good work!
Annelies
I first connected with CSD-Foundation back in 2022 during a solo trip to Sal Island, Cape Verde.
I had met Noy through Facebook, and she sweetly introduced me to the local community so I could help distribute some donations I’d brought along. Since then, I’ve come back several times—this time with groups of fellow digital nomads—to spend time playing with the kids, cooking together, and just spreading joy and good vibes. Noy and the CSD-Foundation team are doing such heartwarming work: teaching English, connecting locals with travelers, and opening up new ways for the community to earn and grow. It’s honestly such a special place. 💛
Mariana
Being part of the group that delivered 500 organic cups on Sal Island was an incredibly meaningful experience. It was more than just an action—it was a moment of connection, positive impact, and hope for a more sustainable future.
From the very beginning, I felt the contagious energy of the team and the dedication of everyone involved. Noy, one of the founders, was truly inspiring, guiding us with enthusiasm and reinforcing the belief in the power of collective change.
Each cup delivered was not just an eco-friendly alternative, but a symbol of effort and purpose behind the CSD-Foundation. Knowing that I contributed to this initiative strengthened my understanding of how small actions, when combined, create big transformations.
I am deeply grateful for having lived this experience and for being part of such a meaningful project. The CSD-Foundation continues to be a vital force of impact and inspiration, and it’s wonderful to see the work they’ve been doing for the past six years.
Katy
Noy as the founder of CSD-Foundation is a person with a big heart and a lot of motivation for others, you give the best of yourself when it comes to guiding towards a better future. I thank you for your advice, and your ideas when I often lost hope; you have always motivated me and it is really good to have listened to you because today I am enjoying it to the fullest, when I needed a computer for a job the CSD-Foundation intervened. Concerning other support that helped me a lot, help for others also my entourage in any case we thank you for the morale and strength of always pushed us upwards. You are and you would make a very good coach in the future if you wish, in any case I wish you and CSD-Foundation many beautiful things for the work you celebrate for us. Not to mention that my first job I got it thanks to you, which makes me a fulfilled person now.
Marcellin
CSD-Foundation is the greatest foundation in Sal, I remember in the pandemic time, how they support everyone foodstuffs. It’s was amazing and also CSD-Foundation keep supporting people about theirs projects even me myself they helped me a lot. Thanks you so much guys for your warm support 🙏🏾❤️
Ibrahima
I’ve had incredible experiences with the CSD-Foundation, both helping university students on the island São Vicente and distributing food baskets in Alto Santa Cruz, Sal island. I really admire your work and can say that the CSD-Foundation is an incredible and transformative organization. You have a keen eye and are always concerned with helping people who truly need it. This is a strong point of your organization that I can see. Seeing the impact of these actions has been and continues to be very rewarding.
Bea
I would like to share my experience working with CSD Foundation during the corona crisis in Cape Verde: It was a wonderful and wonderful time working with very loving people to provide the population with food parcels. The collaboration was fantastic.
Erik
First of all, thank you 🙏 Noy for the opportunity and for always being part of my life, guiding me on the right path and always giving advice. I have always wanted to help others, especially people from my area Santa Cruz on Sal island. Noy, Annelies etc. set up a spectacular project together and invited me to participate (Dá Valor food distribution project during the pandemic, 2020-2021).
I was very excited and with a lot of enthusiasm I could not say no. And there I found an opportunity to change myself as a person. In this way, lives around me also changed, and I was able to help the people around me. And I have not said anything about the companionship yet! With CSD-Foundation, because we were not colleagues, but it rather felt like a family with your brothers, sisters, cousins and people you are proud to have around you. It has always been and will always be an honour to help and be part of this family. This is a summary, because it would take me 2 months to write down everything I have to say! Another example: I started … learning English while working as a photographer on the tour bus 🚌. Noy was the guide but pushed me to take over a part so I could improve my English speaking with the guests. And that became an evolution. Now I speak fluent English and can travel. There have been trainings from the foundation, and many new social contacts.
There is much, much more … And if I am born again in another life, I would like to be part of it again 💙
Thanks again Noy for everything and a lot!!!
Ery