Lüderitz community extends help to those in need
A humanitarian aid initiative launched to provide food to vulnerable persons in Lüderitz is bearing fruit.
Councillors recently distributed 1 195 tins of fish donated by Wesco to community-based organisations and schools in the harbour town. The recipients included the Faith Valley 'Simcha' Family Restoration Centre, the New Generations Soup Kitchen, Excellence Kindergarten, Brightstar Montessori Pre-Primary and Elementary, Angra Pequena Senior Secondary, Lüderitz Secondary, Diaz Primary, Hellen Van Rhijn and Nautilus Primary schools.
“We did not hand out all the donated tins of fish. The remaining tins will be delivered to the old age home, the hospital, the prison and another two soup kitchens,” said Lüderitz mayor Phill Balhao.
One of the recipients, Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School, with 445 learners, runs a non-governmental soup kitchen.
“This donation means a lot to us. We feed and provide a meal for close to 300 learners from Monday to Friday, depending on the donations we receive. Many kids turn up for school because this is where they receive their only meal of the day," principal Shyral Beukes explained.
"The socio-economic situation is not very good, with many learners growing up in child-headed households. Their parents are based in the north, and some stay with their siblings who are still at school or do not have jobs," Beukes added.
More initiatives
Balhao said Rent-A-Drum also donated N$5 000 towards a raffle organised by the office of the mayor. “We are busy getting this initiative approved and are looking for prizes. The aim is to raise funds for various initiatives. The elderly, physically disabled and fire victims constantly need assistance, and we want to ensure that we can make a meaningful difference.”
The donations arrived after an appeal by the mayor to businesses, organisations and government agencies, as well as individuals, to join hands and come forward with donations of food supplies, financial support or volunteer assistance.
Assistance urgently needed
The Office of the Mayor is also trying to put together 500 food parcels, and letters for assistance have been sent out in this regard.
Balhao pointed out that the community is facing significant challenges, and as a result, his office has been inundated with requests from numerous community members and organisations in dire need of food aid and assistance.
“The situation is urgent, and those who are most vulnerable need our assistance in these challenging times. We must stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing hardships. Any support will be deeply appreciated and would bring hope and relief to those facing hunger and uncertainty.”
Councillors recently distributed 1 195 tins of fish donated by Wesco to community-based organisations and schools in the harbour town. The recipients included the Faith Valley 'Simcha' Family Restoration Centre, the New Generations Soup Kitchen, Excellence Kindergarten, Brightstar Montessori Pre-Primary and Elementary, Angra Pequena Senior Secondary, Lüderitz Secondary, Diaz Primary, Hellen Van Rhijn and Nautilus Primary schools.
“We did not hand out all the donated tins of fish. The remaining tins will be delivered to the old age home, the hospital, the prison and another two soup kitchens,” said Lüderitz mayor Phill Balhao.
One of the recipients, Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School, with 445 learners, runs a non-governmental soup kitchen.
“This donation means a lot to us. We feed and provide a meal for close to 300 learners from Monday to Friday, depending on the donations we receive. Many kids turn up for school because this is where they receive their only meal of the day," principal Shyral Beukes explained.
"The socio-economic situation is not very good, with many learners growing up in child-headed households. Their parents are based in the north, and some stay with their siblings who are still at school or do not have jobs," Beukes added.
More initiatives
Balhao said Rent-A-Drum also donated N$5 000 towards a raffle organised by the office of the mayor. “We are busy getting this initiative approved and are looking for prizes. The aim is to raise funds for various initiatives. The elderly, physically disabled and fire victims constantly need assistance, and we want to ensure that we can make a meaningful difference.”
The donations arrived after an appeal by the mayor to businesses, organisations and government agencies, as well as individuals, to join hands and come forward with donations of food supplies, financial support or volunteer assistance.
Assistance urgently needed
The Office of the Mayor is also trying to put together 500 food parcels, and letters for assistance have been sent out in this regard.
Balhao pointed out that the community is facing significant challenges, and as a result, his office has been inundated with requests from numerous community members and organisations in dire need of food aid and assistance.
“The situation is urgent, and those who are most vulnerable need our assistance in these challenging times. We must stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing hardships. Any support will be deeply appreciated and would bring hope and relief to those facing hunger and uncertainty.”
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