The Namibian College of Open Learning, (Namcol) recently donated food parcels worth N$5 000 to a project to feed orphaned and vulnerable children.
The donation was handed over to the Mother Voice Grassroots HIV/Aids project in Windhoek.
Christina Kharises founded the Mother Voice Grassroots HIV/Aids project to give pastoral care and counselling to people infected and affected by HIV/Aids. She later realised the need for providing food and shelter to HIV/AIDS orphans.
The foundation was registered with the ministry of health and social services as a welfare organisation in 2001.
Kharises makes use of her limited income and own home to accommodate the children.
Vanessa Karises, the Namcol student welfare coordinator, said: “As a responsible entity so close to the people, Namcol cannot undermine the desire of the people for bread. We love the Namibian child; our aim is to educate and we understand that education is extremely difficult on an empty stomach. Our aim is to help the Namibian child in all areas possible to attain an education.”
The secretary of the organisation recently wrote a letter to Namcol’s director, saying that the children had not been fed for over a week because of shortages. According to him, the charity feeds about 260 children per week from Monday to Friday.
“I prayed for this and God answered us. A Good Samaritan brought us food and I am so grateful. God bless you, Namcol,” said one of the children at the handover.
Hannelie Kooper, who volunteers at the charity, also thanked the college and said she hoped the food would last until the end of August.
Caption 1:
Namcol officials handing over the food parcels.
Enzo Amuele
