The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) says community-driven efforts such as Joey's Soup Kitchen play a critical role in protecting vulnerable children and preventing them from falling into crime, abuse or neglect.

This comes after MEFT staff donated food worth N$2,500 to support the centre, which looks after more than 300 vulnerable children in Swakopmund.

Deputy Director for the Northwest region, Christopher Munwela, says the daily work done at Joey's Soup Kitchen goes beyond feeding children, as it creates a safer community by giving vulnerable children a structured and protective environment.

" We know it's very hard for you that you are a pensioner and you are using your pension to take care of these kids and indeed the role you are playing is very important to the whole society of Swakopmund, even the Namibian society at large."

Munwela emphasised that when children lack care and supervision, they face greater exposure to crime and violence, making community led protection vital.

"Because once kids are left vulnerable in the streets, they will be vulnerable to crime; others will be abused around, and others will even be killed. They could not be here, so we commend you for the job that you are doing."

He encouraged individuals and organisations to support initiatives that provide safe spaces for children, saying community involvement is key to reducing youth-related crime.

Founder of Joey's Soup Kitchen, Johanna Hill welcomed the donation, saying it will help ensure the children are well cared for during the festive season.

"I say thank you very much, and we appreciate it. We will eat nicely this Christmas because this office is not closing throughout the whole year, and next week, Saturday the 13th, we have a Christmas play. We don't have anything else, but that's how God prepared for us, and we say thank you. May God enlarge your territory."