In a continued effort to help address malnutrition in the Omaheke Region, employees of the Namibia Revenue Agency known as the "NamRA Stars" joined hands to support vulnerable children in the region.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, NamRA employees voluntarily contributed N$100,000 that enabled the donation of food items worth more than N$44,000.
The initiative supports organisations and community groups that provide meals and care to children and vulnerable members of society.
Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate welcomed the donation and urged leaders and institutions to remain committed to addressing the social challenges affecting vulnerable communities and to continue seeking lasting solutions that improve people's lives.
“How can people be so rich in a country that is yet so poor? So those are the things that should keep us awake at night, my dear Commissioner and honourable Councillors and Swapo Party coordinator. We should be kept awake; we can't fall asleep, and I think these are things that also keep the commander-in-chief awake when she says we are too few to be poor. Now, Omaheke also being the lowest populated region, we are really too few to be hungry and dying of hunger. But the good news is that the mortality rate under the age of five has moved from 15% to 4%.”
NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute said while the challenges of poverty and malnutrition cannot be solved by a single act of kindness, collective efforts can bring hope and relief to those in need.
"We know that this good deed will not change the situation overnight, but the gesture we are making here today may inspire another institution to do what we are doing. It may even inspire a company outside Namibia. Today, we need to have a heart for giving."
The NamRA Stars visited Vaal en Opstaan in Gobabis, one of the 10 beneficiaries of the initiative.
The centre cares for more than 10 children and is run by a dedicated woman, ensuring that vulnerable children receive the care and support they need.
The donations were distributed among 10 beneficiaries across the region, namely Children's Sanctuary in Drimiopsis, Lukando Kindergarten and Soup Kitchen in Otjinene. Beneficiaries in Gobabis included Eden Park, Nossobville Soup Kitchen, Miracles of God, Vaal en Opstaan, Lean a Helping Hand, Eastern Pride, Tina Helping and Witvlei Clinic Soup Kitchen.