Early Childhood Development Centres in the Erongo region are set to benefit from a food donation initiative aimed at combating hunger, with the Yahweh Down Syndrome Foundation Centre in Narraville among those selected.
The initiative, led by the Office of the Erongo Governor in partnership with Erongo Marine Enterprises, forms part of the World Food Day commemoration and seeks to support children’s nutrition and learning.
The donation consists of 900 kilogrammes of frozen horse mackerel and hake, 600 tins of canned fish and 1 800 meal packs, each providing up to six servings.
Other centres in the Daures, Karibib, Walvis Bay Rural and Walvis Bay Urban constituencies will also benefit from the initiative.
Erongo governor Dr Nathalia Goagoses said investing in children’s nutrition was essential for their health, development and education.
“This reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. This is particularly important for young children, whose growth, health and learning depend on adequate nutrition,” she said during the handover.
Established in 2022, the Yahweh Down Syndrome Foundation began its educational activities in 2023. The foundation promotes inclusive learning by creating opportunities for children with and without special needs to learn, play and grow together.
Foundation representative Bonita Antoncich said the organisation recognised the stigma surrounding special needs and the labels often placed on children with disabilities.
She said the foundation introduced mainstream children into its centre to demonstrate that children with and without special needs could interact, learn and develop together.
The approach, she said, could encourage other schools to embrace inclusive education and create more opportunities for children with disabilities. Antoncich added that contributions such as food and stationery helped create opportunities for children, build their confidence and encourage independence.
Erongo Marine Enterprises General Manager Clive Kambongarera said the donation went beyond providing food, as it also helped preserve the dignity of vulnerable communities.
“It’s not just food that we are providing; it’s giving back dignity to communities so that they don’t go around in the streets begging for food. We give the children energy so that they can go to school and grow up to be leaders in our communities,” he said.
-edeklerk@nepc.com.na
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