Hello everyone, my name is Linda, and I’ve been with Roland Berger for three years, working as an HR Marketing & Recruiting Expert at our Munich office. When I first heard about the Social Fellowship program, I was inspired by the idea of contributing to a meaningful cause in a hands-on way – stepping out of my daily routine to support inclusion and empowerment on the ground. What followed was an unforgettable three-month experience, during which I had the privilege of supporting SARDA – the South African Riding for the Disabled Association in Cape Town.

SARDA is a non-profit, public benefit organization that offers free therapeutic horse riding to children and adults living with physical and intellectual disabilities. Every week, the team welcomes over 200 riders, many of them from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Through structured riding sessions, led by trained instructors and supported by volunteers, SARDA helps improve physical coordination, boost self-esteem, and create a safe space for personal development.

My role and experience

While the days at SARDA followed a consistent routine, each one brought its own unique moments of growth and connection. My daily work included preparing the horses for their lessons, grooming them, and supporting the instructors during therapy lessons – ensuring that each session ran smoothly and safely with full attention to the needs of both horse and rider. Beyond the sessions themselves, I contributed to SARDA’s communications work and supported the team during public outreach events to raise awareness for the organization’s mission and engage with the broader community.

What left the deepest impression on me, however, was the quiet trust developed between horse and rider, small breakthroughs during lessons, and the joy and laughter of children fully immersed in the moment and their visible pride after mastering a new exercise. Many of the children arrived at the stables a little nervous, but it was remarkable to see how quickly they opened up. Within minutes, their expressions shifted from hesitation to joy, curiosity, and a growing sense of confidence. During the sessions, the children practiced exercises that supported balance, posture, and coordination – such as reaching for colorful tins, steering their horses through obstacle courses, or stretching their arms to build core strength and focus. While the effects of the sessions were often subtle, they were profoundly meaningful steps toward inclusion and empowerment. For some children, it meant improved posture or motor coordination; for others, increased calmness and emotional regulation.

Reflections

My Social Fellowship in South Africa offered more than just insight into therapeutic riding – it gave me a deeper perspective on disability inclusion and the broader social inequalities that shape access to care. Being in a non-profit environment also sharpened my awareness of the practical challenges behind social initiatives – from limited resources to the constant need for visibility and ongoing community support. Above all, the program underscored the power of shared purpose and the belief that every step forward, no matter how small, matters.

As I return to Munich, I carry with me the valuable experiences gained and a deeper appreciation for how a sustainable social compact is built with consistent, intentional, and focused efforts.

The time I spent at SARDA reaffirmed that empathy, patience, and openness are some of the most powerful catalysts for change – qualities that transcend any one environment or organization.

I am deeply grateful to Roland Berger for making this experience possible and for supporting a culture where social engagement is not only encouraged but actively facilitated.

To everyone at SARDA – thank you for welcoming me so warmly into your community, for your tireless dedication, and for the countless moments of joy, laughter, and learning we shared. The impact you make every day is immeasurable and I feel honored to have witnessed it.