Soup kitchen at Elim Primary School to feed 1 200 kids
Elim Primary School in Khomasdal celebrated a significant milestone yesterday with the official handover of a newly constructed soup kitchen, funded by German donors Intercultural Relations E.V. and the charitable organisation 'Ein Herz für Kinder' (a heart for children).
The inauguration was attended by deputy minister of education Faustina Caley, who highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The soup kitchen expects to cater to approximately 1200 children daily, providing meals and fostering a sense of community within the school.
Initiated through discussions between the education ministry and Intercultural Relations E.V. in 2018, the project faced delays due to the global health crisis.
However, steadfast determination and unwavering support prevailed, leading to the successful completion of the kitchen, which will serve as a vital resource for the school and its community.
Need for food
Approximately 60 000 euros, equivalent to N$1.2 million, were generated through various fundraising activities in Germany. These efforts included community events, charity drives, and donations from individuals and organisations, all coordinated by Intercultural Relations E.V.
Joachim Keferstein, CEO of Intercultural Relations E.V., emphasised the soup kitchen's important role in addressing food insecurity among schoolchildren.
"We initially identified the need for nutritional support during our work at A Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek. This experience underscored the importance of nutrition in education, prompting us to propose the establishment of a soup kitchen at Elim Primary School in 2018," said Keferstein.
Caley highlighted the importance of sustainability in ensuring the kitchen's long-term impact. "I do hope that we move to more sustainable means and that a garden is set up to produce the food that will support the soup kitchen."
The inauguration was attended by deputy minister of education Faustina Caley, who highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought the project to fruition despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The soup kitchen expects to cater to approximately 1200 children daily, providing meals and fostering a sense of community within the school.
Initiated through discussions between the education ministry and Intercultural Relations E.V. in 2018, the project faced delays due to the global health crisis.
However, steadfast determination and unwavering support prevailed, leading to the successful completion of the kitchen, which will serve as a vital resource for the school and its community.
Need for food
Approximately 60 000 euros, equivalent to N$1.2 million, were generated through various fundraising activities in Germany. These efforts included community events, charity drives, and donations from individuals and organisations, all coordinated by Intercultural Relations E.V.
Joachim Keferstein, CEO of Intercultural Relations E.V., emphasised the soup kitchen's important role in addressing food insecurity among schoolchildren.
"We initially identified the need for nutritional support during our work at A Shipena Secondary School in Windhoek. This experience underscored the importance of nutrition in education, prompting us to propose the establishment of a soup kitchen at Elim Primary School in 2018," said Keferstein.
Caley highlighted the importance of sustainability in ensuring the kitchen's long-term impact. "I do hope that we move to more sustainable means and that a garden is set up to produce the food that will support the soup kitchen."
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