By: Annakleta Haikera, Kavango West
Girl Up, an organisation that had set out to raise funds for underprivileged children in the two Kavango regions on Thursday and Friday, donated stationery, uniforms and other food items to more than 40 learners.
The funds were raised through a marathon race held by the Girl Up Namibia team in Kavango East on 29 January at Rundu Sports Stadium.
The Girl Up team was overwhelmed with the support that they received through the race and decided to give Kavango children hope for the future.
Some of the schools that have benefitted from the donation are the Mbandu Murangi Primary School, Ntara Combined School, Mpandureni Primary School and Sikanduko Combined School.
The Vice-President of Girl Up in the Kavango Region, Justianus Pandu, said that she was happy for everyone that has supported the endeavour throughout the race.
“We gathered funds to help underprivileged village schools and here we are today, putting big smiles on these children’s faces. They truly needed the shoes, and all these other items given to them. As a team of youth we will not stop anytime but our dream is to make the world a better place for every child.”
“I want to thank those parents that bought more than 200 tickets to support us in our journey. I also want to acknowledge Namib Mills for the instant porridge given to the team to donate to these vulnerable children. They truly appreciate the good gesture.”
She said the team has already reached many schools through the donations received and of these, 40 learners that have benefitted will now attend school fully dressed in school uniform and shoes. “Stationeries given will make them great leaders one day if they continue writing.”
Johannes, a Grade 5 learner at Mbandu Murangi Primary School said, “I will wear my shoes every day and I promise my teachers that I will not be marked absent from school again. I will use my crayons and pencils to draw nice pictures. My uniform will always be washed at all times. Thank you Girl Up for the good gesture.”
Paulus Ester, a teacher at Mbandu Murangi, who also appreciated the gesture by Girl Up thanked them for coming up with such an initiative to clothe young children that are unable to afford uniforms at school.
“At our school, 50% of the learners do not have all the necessities, but we always pray to God that people should look up to those that needs help, and here you are giving all this to these young children to uplift and empower them. Thank you very much, Girl Up, for coming to our school.”
