WINDHOEK, June 24 (Xinhua) — Volunteer spirit and charitable initiatives have been promoted amid COVID-19 pandemic in Namibia, with locals extending a helping to the less fortunate and disadvantaged.
At Havana informal settlement in the Moses Garoeb constituency on the outskirts of the Namibian capital Windhoek, Laimi Katengele erected a tippy-tap at dwellings in the area.
Katengele is a volunteer with the Development Workshop, a local non-governmental organization. For the logistics student at a local university, Katengele was driven by the conviction to make a difference in informal settlements plagued by sanitation challenges, including the lack of facilities.
Setting up the tippy-taps meant that community members would have access to handwashing facilities and thus hygiene would be promoted. The team of 15 volunteers in the constituency sets up at least 100 tippy-taps in a day.
“I volunteered my skills and time to help others and aid to government efforts in ensuring that it reaches its goals in enforcing hygiene and safety measure amid COVID-19,” Katengele said Tuesday.
She is not the only one. Erickson Paulus, a youth entrepreneur, also coordinated an initiative to provide food to people in informal settlements who lost an income due to COVID-19 outbreak. Under the initiative, he distributed food parcels and other essential goods.
The 29-year-old’s efforts are driven by the principle of “sharing is caring” as well as his background.
According to Paulus, he has experienced hunger and struggle, which has ignited empathy and compassion in him.
“This is the time for those who can share with the less fortunate to do so at the time the country is battling a health crisis,” he said.
Benevolent gestures and the spirit of giving are not limited to individuals. Organizations and entities have also initiated programs.
Peter Sivabo, a director at Heal Our Land Foundation, said that the organization donated food items to Katutura central constituency in efforts to alleviate hunger.
“We wish to ensure people have food and improve nutrition and diet,” he said.
The Namibian National Students’ Organization (NANSO) also introduced a food aid program to assist children-headed household and international students who could not travel due to international travel ban and restrictions.
Simon Taapopi, president of NANSO, said that the organization mobilized resources from the business community and members, who volunteered to distribute the parcels and other goods.
“We also donated items to international students who could not fly back and to students in the hostels with no source of income,” Taapopi said.
More than 300 students alone in the Khomas region benefited.
Meanwhile, the development organizations have also provided humanitarian aid in rural areas. Gloria Kamwi, program policy officer at the World Food Programme, said that support was given to about 15,000 households in Kavango East region, among others.
“Many communities face challenges, and as observed, hunger is evident. Support to communities and aid can be impactful,” she said.
Moreover, a national emergency disaster fund created for the response to COVID-19 is run, said I-Ben Nashandi, executive director in the office of the Prime Minister.
