More than a hundred vulnerable babies have been given a second chance at life through the work of the Rauch Elohim Foundation, a child protection organisation dedicated to preventing baby dumping and caring for abandoned and abused children.
The foundation came into the spotlight during a visit by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, to its facility in Swakopmund, where she donated essential items to support its day-to-day operations.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stressed the importance of supporting young girls who fall pregnant instead of isolating or rejecting them during the difficult times.
She said communities and families must create safe spaces where young mothers feel supported throughout the pregnancies to help prevent baby dumping and neglect.
"I was moved when I heard that children have not gone on to be adopted, but there has also been a reconciliation with families that is so profound, so you have found homes for these children – warm, loving homes. You have saved them from the unthinkable, and you have saved their parents, who are children themselves. We have given them another opportunity."
According to the foundation, 50 of the more than 100 babies cared for over seven years were rescued through the baby-saving box.
The organisation also provides shelter for abandoned, neglected and abused babies across Namibia.
Erongo Governor Nathalia |Goagoses also praised founder Ronel Peters for her dedication and compassion towards vulnerable children.
"You have put up a centre like this one to say no life should be lost. Ms Ronel Peters, may the good Lord continue to protect you and keep you. We honour God for everything he placed into us, especially when it comes to the lives of these young ones."
Peters called for radios and television stations to assist in raising awareness about the foundation and the services it provides mothers and children in crisis.
"Then, of course, the other challenge we have is awareness. We still need to get more awareness out there. Our main goal is to have Namibia be free from any baby dumping, and there is only one way to do that: it's by raising enough awareness all over Namibia."