It all began with a simple, heartfelt conversation in a parking lot between two friends, Tangeni Ndeitunga and Waldau Naruseb, reminiscing about the magic of Easter and Christmas in their childhoods.
Soon after, they brought in an incredible team, Ileni Hitula, Elly Nandago, Pandu Shaduka, Abassier Leukes and Innocent Enkali. Since then, things have continued to grow. What was once just an Easter egg donation drive has become something with significantly more meaning and a larger desire to achieve loftier ambitions.
“The idea for the Pamwe Initiative was born from a heartfelt desire to give children across Namibia the same joyful memories that shaped our childhoods. We asked ourselves, ‘what if we collected Easter eggs and delivered them to orphanages around Windhoek?’. With that simple question, a beautiful journey began,” narrated Ndeitunga.
The group said they have grown to support old-age homes, food drives and a fight against winter by collecting warm clothes and blankets.
“The Pamwe Initiative is centred around bringing joy, comfort and hope to those who need it most. Further, we are driven by ensuring that every Namibian is allowed their pursuit of human dignity, unbound by their current or previous circumstances,” elaborated Naruseb.
This year was the best collection of donations they have had in their short history.
The buy-in from personal and professional networks was immense, allowing the team to visit more than they initially intended to.
He added: “We strongly believe that love, dignity and care should not be reserved for the few. These are basic human needs that everyone deserves. Seeing the joy in the faces of the few we can encounter, the smiles and laughter keep us going”.
The team bought food items, stationery, toys, sweets and toiletries.
In addition, they donated approximately 300 units of clothing for boys and girls of all ages, around 20 pairs of shoes, 87 blankets, and 53 boxes of Easter eggs.
“Our donations allowed us to visit Orlindi Orphanage, Hope Village, Megameno Orphanage and the Katutura Old Age Home, donating to about 165 people,” they said.
Naruseb stated that they initially found the orphanages through social media and Google. Some of the old-age homes were recommended by members of the community. He noted that one suggestion that stood out was the idea that elders, like children, have a sweet tooth.
This inspired the team to include treats for them as well, believing that everyone deserves to feel loved and remembered.
“Since my late teens, I’ve been involved in service work. Each opportunity reminds me how powerful even the smallest act of kindness can be. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and knowing we made their Easter slightly better was truly heartwarming.
“I’m beyond grateful to be part of a group of friends who believe in lifting others. I’m glad they brought me in on this initiative. I can’t wait to continue pushing with the Pamwe Team,” shared Nandago.
Hitula said young Namibians must know their privileged socio-economic circumstances, and realise the role they must play in shaping the trajectory of the country and uplifting fellow Namibians.
“Being part of this drive means taking small, tangible steps towards achieving that. It’s unbelievable how much support we were able to garner for the cause through the power of friendship. Sharing the joy of a holiday with caretakers and all the children truly warmed my heart. I’m grateful that they opened their homes to us,” he said.
He said they hoped that every Namibian would have access to necessities like food and shelter. Hitula added that he was on a trip greater than himself since he was a part of the group or Pamwe.
That mission kept him going.
–psiririka@nepc.com.na