Africa-Press – Namibia. Smiles, tears, laughter and shrieks were the order of the day after WUTO Trading, Charitree, SBS Trucking and Rob Youth Foundation put together a care package to assist Orphans and Vulnerable Children from Dordabis’ Hope Orphanage Home.
Rosivita Arie founded Hope Orphanage Home after witnessing the devastation that goes hand-in-hand with unemployment in her community. She says that the town has a population of approximately 1 800 people, where at least 120 of those are children who have no option but to visit the orphanage in search of basic needs.
“We cater children who come from previously disadvantaged communities. We try to make their lives meaningful, better than they are and to try and keep them from societies’ vices that can easily derail a bright future,” said Arie, whose mother also helps raise the children.
WUTO Trading CEO Markus van der Merwe explained that sometimes giving a helping hand is all that is needed to change the trajectory of lives that are in need.
“We have the capability to make a difference. Its not just about making money and growing a business. Its humbling to see, to be on ground zero. You get told: ‘We are going to an orphanage in Dordabis and (immediately) you have this expectation of a building or infrastructure and beds for the kids to sleep in… .
“But then you get here and it’s a small structure with a playground and a tree, and the little bit of difference we did today its about the kids. It’s a humbling experience and a step in the right direction and we are eager to help to build Namibia,” lamented van der Merwe.
Rosivita Arie (L) looks on as Wutow Trading’s CEO, Markus van der Merwe mentors children at the orphanage Charitree’s co-founder, Richard Hoff expressed happiness, adding that more could be done before issuing a clarion call to both public and private sector stakeholders to play their part as well in the development of previously disadvantaged communities.
“This is a humbling experience. We need to walk the talk. There are a lot of armchair heroes. Today we walked the talk.” SBS trucking’s Financial Officer Rememberance Chiremba said it was a priviledge to be a part of an effort for empowerment.
“It is a priliedge to be involved in this outreach programme. I think in the long run it will open the eyes of other private sector partners to be involved.”
Rob Youth Foundation’s Robert Maseka believes such an initiative demonstrates how any stakeholder can be instrumental in assisting those who are in less favourable positions, tying the distribution of resources to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in trying to eliminate poverty.
“By creating awareness in the community, helping others we feel that there is a possibility to make a difference. We are planning to roll out similar projects to the 14 regions of Namibia and make sure that no one feels left behind, in as much as we are able to help out. Government can not do it alone and it is a testament to how dedicated our partners are that we are here. I would like to thank Charitree, SBS Trucking, Rob Youth Foundation staff, and most importantly CEO of Wutow Trading, Markus van der Merwe, who was generous enough to provide the goods we are giving away today,” said Maseka.
Courtesy of hard working youth, this garden produces the greens that they are able to nurture and watch as their yields sprout. ‘You reap what you sow.’
In 2021, Rob Youth Foundation was part of a delegation that attended youth celebrations in Dordabis where it became evident that there is a lack of basic resources and the need to create projects that can keep the youth off the streets and promote an environment conducive for young people to have the they require to at least have a vision of their own future and shape their destiny.
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