Paheja Siririka
The One Economy Foundation (OEF) under the Office of the First Lady has roped in radio personality-turned event manager Helena Ngaifiwa as a project officer in the SGBV Pillar, called #BreakFree, and Pefimbo Shipunda as a senior social worker.
Ngaifiwa said: “SGBV has been one of the biggest cries from the nation. I am amplifying what the office is already doing. As a survivor of SGBV, I am in a better position to advise on what interventions to put in place regarding SGBV. I’m also preparing our TIP (Talent Individual Programme) learners for their final exams by providing them with the necessary support to help them deal with anxiety and other social issues”.
With her radio and media experience, Ngaifiwa is a creator of opportunities, someone who loves teaching, and she is the mastermind of Simply You, a lifestyle magazine aimed at creating awareness on gender-based violence and other issues affecting young women.
“I love giving back, and being placed in a position where I can do just that is a place I need to be right now,” she told Youth Corner.
She said the youth must work hard – not for other people but themselves. “One day, someone will notice your hard work and open doors that you never imagined were meant for you. Also, trust and believe in the process; there are no shortcuts to lasting success – just have faith and be patient; it will come – maybe not when you want it to,” she hinted.
Ngaifiwa is not new to the work of the OEF, as she assisted in the gender-based violence and education pillar as an intern.
The foundation said in a statement that Ngaifiwa will use her voice, experience and passion to support project implementation and public awareness for SGBV-related initiatives. She is mindful about ensuring the foundation’s work is both innovative and impactful.
Shipunda, on the other hand, a qualified social worker, has equally dedicated her energy and resources towards the fight against gender-based violence and protecting children’s safety. She has been with the foundation for less than a month, a quarter of which she has spent in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court, assisting SGBV survivors and testifying on their behalf.
“During the past four weeks, I spent most of my time at the Windhoek Magistrate’ Court to assist survivors of SGBV. I would say my attention is more on anything that has to do with SGBV,” she detailed.
Shipunda holds an honours qualification in social work from the University of Namibia, and she is passionate about social movements to create positive change, especially among the youth.
“I am excited and honoured to be part of this amazing team that has our nation at heart, and I’m very happy that I’m evolving in my career. To all the young people, never underestimate yourself; there is so much out there that you can achieve,” enlightened Shipunda.
She said the appointment means she has an important role to play in a society faced with none-ending violence, and this is an opportunity for her to create positive change and give support to those affected by SGBV.
As the senior social worker for the foundation, Shipunda’s responsibilities include crisis intervention; conducting awareness-raising programmes on SGBV in communities, training, and providing psychosocial services to individuals, groups and families.
– psiririka@nepc.com.na