Namibian Traders, a Namibian-owned enterprise known for designing sportswear inspired by the Namibian flag, will host the EduMove Race this Saturday in Windhoek. The event will feature walking, running, and cycling activities.
The race aims to support children in rural areas and informal settlements by providing essential school items, including shoes, uniforms, and bags. These will be procured using proceeds from entry fees and donations of the items themselves.
EduMove was inspired by recurring realities in communities, particularly the widening gap in care, maintenance, and support for children.
Namibian Traders introduced the EduMove Race as a practical response to this gap.
According to Nashikoto Nangolo-Nelumbu, founder of Namibian Traders, the initiative goes beyond theory by using physical activity to mobilise resources and redirect them towards tangible support for learners who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
“The initiative recognises that while legal and familial obligations exist, children cannot wait for systems to correct themselves. EduMove is therefore not a substitute for parental responsibility, but a community-driven intervention that seeks to uphold the best interests of the child through immediate, lawful, and transparent support,” Nangolo-Nelumbu said.
The walk, run, and cycle format was selected to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, accommodating people of all ages, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This approach allows individuals and families to participate at an appropriate, sustainable level, reinforcing the idea that contributing to social good does not require elite performance.
Participation in the EduMove Race is limited to approximately 250 participants to ensure safety, proper supervision, and effective management. This controlled environment enables families, youth, pensioners, and first-time participants to engage comfortably without exclusion.
Namibian Traders does not distribute cash donations. Instead, goods are procured and distributed directly to learners, ensuring accountability and alignment with the initiative’s intended purpose. This approach minimises the risk of misapplication and ensures that the benefits accrue directly to the children.
Beyond its social impact, the event promotes physical wellness by encouraging regular movement and healthy lifestyle choices. Participants are not merely exercising; they are actively contributing to the protection of children’s educational interests. This dual outcome reflects a balanced approach to individual wellbeing and collective responsibility.
“The intended impact is to restore dignity and reduce barriers to learning. Access to basic educational items directly affects attendance, participation, and self-esteem. EduMove aims to create learning environments where children are not disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control, reinforcing the principle that every child deserves an equitable opportunity to learn,” Nangolo-Nelumbu said.
