WINDHOEK– The Hope Village in Katutura where 90 infected and affected children through HIV/AIDS as well as suffering severe abuse and neglect are living has received N$35,776 form the Bilateral Fund the British High Commission through the Orange Babies who administer their finances, and purchased furniture and other material for the kids shelter.
The impact of this donation has been multiplied significantly by the generosity of Bedding Warehouse and Mini Magic Discounters who helped with two new bunk beds and mattresses, three pine tables, and 24 chairs where children can sit to have their meals and do homework. The babies’ home received two new cots with mattresses and a beautiful new table with four chairs. Hope Village also received a new sofa for the mothers to use while feeding the little ones and the toddlers’ home got three new pine tables and 24 chairs.
The British High Commission also donated linen for the boys’ room and Orange Babies are going to use existing funds to purchase new duvets for the children to make sure they are well prepared for the coming winter.
At the handing over, British High Commissioner to Windhoek, Marianne Young, said: “Hope Village provides a home to children and mothers affected by a combination of Gender Based Violence and HIV and AIDS in Namibia, and offers comprehensive medical, psychological, social, spiritual and educational care in a loving home environment. The British High Commission started working with Hope Village in 2009 when we designed and planted a little garden at the front entrance. The conifer tree next to the office block was planted following a request by the children for an annual Christmas tree, and it was dedicated to the memory of our friend and colleague, Loth Tjitemisa, who sadly passed away the week before it was actually planted. …. By joining hands in this way (through today’s donation), we can all make life a bit easier for people to deal with the challenge of HIV & AIDS and for communities to provide caring environments.”