SWAKOPMUND – More than 170 children from the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund were treated to an early Christmas party over the weekend.
The Cradle of Hope Foundation treated the children to a warm meal, gift packs and ice cream.
The foundation is led by Francis Godenschweig, with the help of her family and a few volunteers who made it their mission to alleviate hunger within their community, with her donors, who wish to stay anonymous.
Godenschweig on Saturday told New Era that she grew up in a home where sharing food and space was normal, and she now wants to pass that same support on to vulnerable children and struggling mothers.
“This is how we were raised. We shared everything,” she says.
Cradle of Hope hosts a soup kitchen every second Saturday, depending on available funds. Mothers who attend also receive a “meal in a jar” filled with noodles, lentils and soup ingredients to cook at home. At times, they also hand out vegetables or clothing donated by residents.
Godenschweig said the foundation’s biggest goal is to open a shelter for pregnant girls and abused women, as many of them don’t have support and often face desperate situations.
“We want to give them a safe place until they give birth. The plan is to include skill-building activities such as needlework and cooking, with the help of social workers,” she explained.
One of the companies has already pledged to build the shelter.
Residents who want to assist with food, clothing, or financial contributions can contact Cradle of Hope on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.