By Mbatjiua Ngavirue
WINDHOEK
The Joy Centre in Otjiwarongo is testament to the difference a single person can make in the lives of so many, by turning former street children into useful productive members of society.
In a space of three years, Muriel Fisch, almost single-handedly transformed the lives of dozens of street children in Otjiwarongo.
She provided them with the safe environment, love and guidance they needed to bring their shattered lives back on track.
The majority of street children were heavily steeped in a dagga and mandrax drug culture, as well as glue and petrol sniffing.
The first step to giving them a new chance in life, meant getting them to kick the drug habit.
Muriel Fisch originates from the Rehoboth district, but came to Otjiwarongo in 2004 after Esperanza Project asked her to come and become their co-ordinator.
She was a town councillor at Rehoboth, who did volunteer work and participated in community-based organisations.
Fisch helped at the Esperanza Project for two months before the project closed down unexpectedly due to unforeseen circumstances.
Two curious twists of fate came about that prevented her from returning to Rehoboth as she otherwise might have.
The premises of the old, but now abandoned, 435 Dancing Club happened to come on the market at a reasonably affordable price.
As fortune would have it, an anonymous American benefactor also stepped to the fore offering to donate the money necessary to purchase the property.
The payment of an initial deposit of N$85???_?_’???_?’???_???