Usakos feeding programme brings hope

Local pensioners making a difference
Now in its 16th year, the after-school feeding programme has been a lifeline for children in the Hakhaseb area of Usakos.
Frieda Molotho
An after-school feeding programme has been providing meals to children in Usakos for 16 years. Run by an elderly husband-and-wife duo known simply as the Gurirabs, the programme feeds children in the Hakhaseb area three times a week.

Usakos mayor Irene Simeon Kurtz paid the centre a visit recently and was humbled to see the pensioners' work.

Mrs Gurirab explained the idea behind the programme, saying they noticed the poverty around the town and were willing to sacrifice the little they got. “We noticed there were no feeding schemes in Usakos and nothing much was happening to care for vulnerable children in the area. Thus, my husband and I thought of the idea of making a project for the kids."

“We want to protect the vulnerable children in our society to eliminate hunger and all illnesses associated with hunger,” she added.

Currently feeding over 50 children, the couple faces various challenges, including providing daily meals and toiletries for the children. “Ever since we started, we never got assistance from anybody. We use our pension money to cater for the meals and clothing for the kids who are dire in need," she said.

With temperatures dropping, the Gurirabs are appealing for assistance from the private sector or government organisations. They hope to provide the children with winter clothing, school uniforms and food parcels. For more information, call Melisa Uiras at 081 211 7999.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-21

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