Hilma Nalupe
At the break of dawn, while much of the city still sleeps, groups of First National Bank Namibia staff trade their office attire for aprons and roll up their sleeves.
Their mission is to ensure that learners at four Windhoek schools do not face the school day on an empty stomach.
In partnership with the Windhoek Life Change Centre (WLCC) and with the backing of the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, FNB Namibia has launched a school feeding programme, valued at N$200 000.
The initiative, which kicked off at Cosmos High School, also reaches learners at Khomastura Secondary School, A.I. Steenkamp Primary School and Acacia Senior Secondary School.
Volunteers prepare and serve warm meals twice a week.
For many learners, a simple plate of food can make the difference between being able to concentrate in class and being distracted by hunger.
Beyond filling stomachs, the programme restores dignity, uplifts spirits and creates an environment where education becomes more than just survival.
“What makes this initiative truly special is not just the financial contribution, but the heart behind it,” said Revonia Job, CSI manager at the FirstRand Namibia Foundation.
“The Foundation may be the vehicle through which we give back, but it’s our colleagues giving their time, their hands and their compassion that truly drive the impact,” said the manager.
The volunteer-driven approach is at the heart of the project.
Staff members gather as early as 05h00 on Mondays and Wednesdays to start cooking.
By Tuesday morning, the meals are ready and served during the 10h00 break with the support of Life Skills teachers.
In addition to feeding learners, volunteers also extend a helping hand to the wider community by assisting with monthly food parcel distributions to 226 elderly Namibians.
For the bank, this is not just a corporate social investment initiative, but it is a commitment to people.
Through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation’s People Pillar, staff are encouraged to contribute time, skills and resources, with the Group matching N$1 donated towards chosen causes.
The smiles and gratitude of the learners speak volumes.
A hot meal may seem small to some, but to a child facing hunger, it can mean hope, focus and a step closer to their dreams.