It is the first week of school for three of the Haingura sisters, and though they’re understandably apprehensive about their new environment, there’s a sense of renewed hope in the air. 

Once dimmed by hardship, their dreams for the future are rekindled thanks to the support from the USAID/President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-funded Reach Namibia programme.

The Haingura family, four siblings from the Tondoro constituency in Kavango West, were left to fend for themselves after both their parents left the village in search of better economic opportunities. Initially, financial support trickled in, but it soon dwindled, leaving 14-year-old Kalista, the second-eldest, with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for her siblings. 

Despite these challenges, the sisters showed remarkable resilience. Reach Namibia, a programme launched in 2023 to prevent new HIV infections and improve treatment outcomes for HIV-positive children and adolescents, first learned of the Haingura siblings’ plight in April 2024. A life skills teacher at their former school brought the case to the attention of a community care worker in Kavango West, demonstrating the power of community in supporting those in need. 

“I couldn’t bear to see the conditions these children were living in. Their field had not produced crops in years, leaving them nothing to eat. It broke my heart as a mother, so I opened my home to them,” recalls Sofia Murangi.

The educator went beyond providing shelter, offering the children a safe place to sleep at night. She was particularly concerned about the dangers they faced from some local men, who had been reported to make advances towards the minors. The challenges faced by child-headed households extend far beyond the daily struggle for survival. 

“Without the guidance and support of parents, these young heads of families often struggle to meet basic needs like food, education and healthcare,” stated Klara Kakororo, Reach Namibia’s Orphans and Vulnerable Children technical director. 

“The emotional burden of losing their childhood to these responsibilities leaves them isolated, stressed and vulnerable to exploitation. This cycle not only jeopardizes their future, but also has a ripple-effect on the wider community, threatening the long-term social and economic stability of the region,” she added. 

Support for the family has led to positive change. With the help of the programme and the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, 17-year-old Milka, who has a hearing impairment, has had her social grant reinstated, which helps with her upkeep in Rundu. 

The line ministry has played a crucial role in ensuring the family receives the necessary support and resources for their well-being. Meanwhile, Kalista (14), Theresia (12), and Mariane (9) are slowly acclimatising to their new setting at Simanya Combined School. 

With the help of a social worker, the girls have also been enrolled in the school’s hostel, with Sofia Murangi stepping in as their primary caregiver during the holidays. Furthermore, the trio benefits from the supply of uniforms, stationery, and toiletries (among other essentials). 

Mariane’s class teacher has already noticed the 9-year-old’s cheerful spirit. “In the first week of school, she has made friends, and her classmates have been very welcoming. 

However, we’re also mindful of the circumstances that brought the girls here, so we ensure that the life skills teacher continuously assesses their academic and psycho-social development.” 

They were inspired by the support she’s received from social worker Ndinelao Joseph and Kalista dreams of pursuing a career in human sciences. 

Her aspirations, filled with hope and determination, are a testament to the positive impact of the support she and her siblings have received.