ONGWEDIVA – The SOS Children’s Village in collaboration with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) launched a donation box initiative in Ondangwa last week.
It is aimed at raising funds to support the children in the care of SOS, as well as assisting random destitute families in the community.
Speaking during the launch, SOS Children’s Village manager Julieta Ferreira appreciated NAC’s gesture to allow them to set up the donation box at the Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport here at no cost.
“We provide care to children who have lost parental care, and assist children who are at the risk of losing parental care. We receive funding from international donors, and subsidies from the government. We have to raise more funds locally to be able to sustain our programme and provide the care the children need,” she
noted. Ferreira said putting the donation box at the airport will enable travellers to put their donations right in the box.
“It takes about N$15 000 per month to provide for children in one family in SOS, and each house has eight children. Expenses are groceries, cosmetics, electricity and school-related materials,” she added.
She said whatever donation is put in the box will be appreciated, and will go a long way in preventing the separation of children from their families of origin.
The not-for-profit organisation was established in 2009, and hosts 84 children and young people at their village houses.
It also has 170 children and young people under the family strengthening programme.