By Staff Reporter WINDHOEK Dr Christina Swart-Opperman, Economist Businesswoman of the Year 2002 and business consultant, founded the Christina Swart-Opperman Aids Orphan Foundation Trust that was launched on 26 February, 2003. The vision of the Trust is to contribute towards social reform in Namibia, while specific objectives are upliftment and improvement of the quality of the life of children orphaned by AIDS in Namibia. The Trust participates in programmes dealing in education, care and feeding schemes, prevention and psycho-social support. The Trust endeavours to provide assistance to all the different regions in Namibia. The Trust raises funds by soliciting the business community to fund projects as part of their Corporate Social Investment and through fundraising projects. Specific values of the Trust are respecting the human dignity and rights of children, applying funds with integrity and having compassion for those less privileged. Dr Swart-Opperman is supported by a Board of Trustees, consisting of prominent Namibian business people. To meet the Trust’s objective, a Formal Gala Dinner under the theme “Ode to the Spirit of the Namibian Child” was held on Wednesday, 28 February, 2007. Entertainment was provided by Ian Roberts (well-known celebrity from South Africa) as Master of Ceremonies. Jackson Kaujeua (Namibian Artist), besides singing his most popular Namibian songs, for the first time performed with Ian Roberts a song dedicated to the Namibian Child. A very talented group – the Sunrise Kids -under the guidance of well-known choreographer Sisi, performed dances to music and the rhythm of the African Beat. Prime Minister Nahas Angula delivered a keynote address for the evening, and emphasised that everyone has a responsibility, in fighting HIV/Aids. The proceeds raised at the dinner go towards the four schools identified in the Ruacana Constituency and are divided as follows: Name of School No of Learners Stationery 12 month Feeding Programme Total for year Eenawa 169 2, 463-90 18, 679-57 21, 143-47 Onamatanga 56 833-60 6, 189-68 7, 023-28 Otjorute 48 728-80 5, 305-44 6, 034-24 Omdhuhawaunga 180 2, 658-00 19, 897-26 22,555-26 Grand Totals 6, 684-30 50, 071-95 56, 756-25 The trust also supports the traders in the region in terms of purchasing supplies from them. The event was supported by Capricorn Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Distell Distributors, Jay-lo Productions, Namib Mills (Pty) Ltd, Namibia Economist, Ohlthaver & List Group of Companies, PharmAccess Foundation, Safari Hotel, Sanlam, and Tamonika Events. Dr Swart-Opperman expressed sincere appreciation to all organisations and individuals who bought tickets and tables towards this event. She felt that they clearly demonstrated with their support, commitment to make a difference in the lives of Namibia’s vulnerable children.