From the middle class to homelessness... This is the tale of a Windhoek-based couple who were once self-sufficient.

However, what was intended to be a journey toward advancement turned into a devastating nightmare.

Ntema Tapiso, an auto mechanic instructor by profession, and Winnie, a former nurse, didn't see it coming when they resigned from their day jobs and moved to the Zambezi Region to start a vocational training centre.

But their big dream did not come true, and they moved back to the city, where they stayed in a guest house.

That was, however, short-lived because the Tapisos, aged 41 and 37, could not keep up with the rent, and they were eventually thrown out onto the streets.

They now call themselves "Activists for the Homeless People."

"We went through the harsh, unforgiving condition of homelessness; we found ourselves sleeping in open places because we didn't have a place to stay, no clothes, no documents," narrates Ntema.

"Homelessness is not easy for anyone. Through this experience, I learned my strength, became aware, and came to realise that there are people out there who are homeless and need the support of fellow Namibians," adds Winnie.

The couple plans to come up with a project to train homeless people in vocational education.

"Skills training is one of the songs that are being sung, but nothing is being done about it. So, we are reaching out to business people and to the government. If you are out there and have means, we are calling you out."

If they get the support, homeless people such as 27-year-old Maipi Tjiposa will benefit.

Tjiposa is a resident of the Katutura Youth Centre who migrated to Windhoek in search of a better life, but things didn't work out for him.

"They approached us, and they are specialised and qualified. They want to help us and teach us by sharing their skills so that we can help ourselves. We need help, and the help will come from them."

Another resident is 23-year-old Tjambira Veundjakurua, a first-year education student at IUM.

"I was staying at Goreangab for a year, but I was starving, and I heard people were getting food for free at churches, so I came here with my dad, and I have been here for two years. We have a lot of students here, and we are sleeping in these houses built with boxes and timber, and it's difficult to study."

Hopeful for the future, the Tapiso couple now has a place to stay until the end of this month, and where they will go next, no one knows.