Zebaldt Ngaruka 

GOBABIS – Community-based organisation One Step at Time gave animals to individuals who have shown interest in farming in Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions.

The project was established in 2008, and provided funding of close to N$3 million by the Social Security Commission (SSC) to eradicate poverty among Namibians. 

One Step at Time also creates jobs, educates communities and promotes health. 

About 35 beneficiaries benefitted from the first phase of the project. 

More than 300 beneficiaries were identified for the second phase, where they will get 10 pregnant sheep.

Speaking to New Era, Uetuu Maingo, founder of One Step at Time, said the purpose of the gathering was to introduce the new beneficiary policy for the 2024/25 financial year.

“This engagement was basically to introduce policies to the farmers that are about to benefit from the second phase of the project,”.

“This is very important. The beneficiaries must familiarise themselves with these policies, and know what is expected of them,” Maingo stated. 

The first phase of the project comprised close to 100 recipients, who each received five goats for a period of 12 months. 

“Our policies were clear; each beneficiary must make sure goats produced during that period. He or she will then keep the offspring, and return the five goats to the project,” the project founder noted.

Maingo added that they are happy that most recipients had followed the rules and managed to work accordingly. 

Among them was Jaqueline Kamurongo, who received five goats in 2015, and they have since multiplied. 

“As I am speaking now, I have 35 goats, courtesy of One Step at Time. The project management also gave us good guidance throughout, and I am a happy beneficiary,” she said.

She added that the project had changed her life for the better, as she is now a proud goat farmer who is standing on her own. 

“I have to compliment the noble idea from the project initiators, and the work they are doing in the community,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Vemupumba Mungunda, said she had returned the five goats to benefit others after they produced offspring within the stipulated period.

“This thing from One Step at Time is applaudable, and needs to be given all the support,” she said.

The organisation has 10 operational branches in the country – Aminuis, Corridor 13, Gobabis, Onderombapa, Leonardville, Otjozondjupa, Windhoek, Otjinene, Otjinoko and Tallismanus.

The organisation has also ventured into gardening, small stock revolving, bakery and chicken projects, and small business, and is requesting good Samaritans to assist with funds to meet all these community development initiatives. 

For one to be a member of One Step at Time, an initial amount of N$580 and a monthly contribution of N$10 are required. 

-zngaruka@yahoo.com