Heather Erdmann
REHOBOTH – Rehoboth residents gathered last Saturday morning for the Big Walk for Young Warriors, a 5km initiative led by the Rehoboth Lions Club.
It aims to raise funds and awareness for children affected by cancer.
The walk forms part of the club’s childhood cancer service pillar, one of eight global focus areas guiding Lions Club initiatives worldwide. Funds raised will be directed through the Cancer Association of Namibia via its Rehoboth branch.
Amanda Groenewaldt, president of the Rehoboth Lions Club and a former mayor of Rehoboth, said this was the second cancer-focused event hosted by the club this year.
“All the money raised today will go to the Cancer Association of Namibia,” she said.
Groenewaldt revealed that in 2024 the Rehoboth Lions Club was on the verge of closure, with only three active members remaining.
“Two years ago, we were on the verge of closing, but suddenly the club grew, and today we proudly have 25 active members,” she said.
The club operates under eight service pillars: childhood cancer, diabetes, hunger relief, vision care, environmental initiatives, disaster relief, humanitarian support, and youth development.
Despite its growth, the club is still working toward securing a permanent venue for meetings and community activities and will celebrate its 35th anniversary on 30 May this year.
Beyond cancer awareness, the club and its members have implemented several local initiatives. In 2025, 54 elderly Rehoboth residents received prescription glasses through a Lions Club vision programme.
Groenewaldt recalled an emotional moment, “One elderly woman cried when she put on her glasses. She said she had never seen properly in her life.”
The club further initiated programmes whereby they donated more than 100 crochet blankets were donated to old-age homes and social housing beneficiaries in Rehoboth community, and started a school garden project at Bloukrans, a rural settlement in the Khomas Region known for its primary school and located approximately 120 km east of Windhoek, was launched to support hostel learners with fresh produce.
“It’s not about giving people money. It’s about teaching them how to grow their own food,” Groenewaldt said.
For many participants, the walk carried personal meaning. Rudolf Rittmann, who attended the event with his wife Lienkie and their children, said it was the second time his family had taken part and said the walk held personal significance.
“It’s the second time we’ve taken part. This initiative is close to our hearts because of family members we have lost to cancer. It’s also a way to raise awareness for our children,” he said.
Community coach and youth mentor Sergé Loock described the walk as a heartfelt moment for the town and that the walk was a meaningful demonstration of unity.
“What an honour and privilege it was to be part of this heartfelt moment. Today’s walk showed that Rehoboth’s heart is full of courage,” Loock said.
-herdmann@nepc.com
Photo: Heather Erdmann