Julia Heita, founder of Eco-Champions Gardening Initiative, donated 130 fruit trees, 80 seed packets, gardening equipment, manure and fencing materials to residents of Oshimwaku village in the Ohangwena region.
Heita said the initiative is a collaborative effort between Eco-Champions, SOS Children’s Villages Namibia and SOS Kinderdörfer. The inspiration came from home, from her father, to be specific. Growing up in the Ohangwena, she watched him turn even the driest patch of land into something green.
“He taught me not just how to plant seeds in the soil, but also how to plant seeds of kindness and responsibility in people’s hearts. He believes in hard work, caring for others, and respecting nature, these are the values that shaped me into who I am today,” she said.
As she grew older, she said she started to notice the serious effects of climate change around her. The crops were failing, water was becoming scarce, and people were losing hope. She knew she couldn’t just sit back. She wanted to be part of the solution. That’s how she applied for the Eco-Champion initiative with her idea and got selected.
“The opportunity is my way of giving back to my community and protecting the environment, using the lessons my father taught me, the lessons from the SOS team and the passion I have always had for helping people,” she said.
Most of her work is currently based in Ohangwena, where the effects of climate change are especially harsh. But the dream is to expand to more regions in Namibia, particularly rural areas where food insecurity and land degradation are serious issues. Beyond this project, she also runs awareness campaigns in schools, organises tree-planting events, and collaborates with other youth on climate action. “I also do hygiene pack donations and educate school-going youth on the importance of staying clean, we all know that cleanliness is closer to Godliness.”
Her biggest hope is that this initiative will help restore both hope and self-sufficiency in communities. By teaching people how to grow their own food, even in small backyard gardens, they directly address hunger and nutrition. She has already seen families who used to struggle with meals now harvesting spinach, tomatoes and maize from their gardens. That kind of change is powerful, Heita said.
“Environmentally, we’re also making progress. Through reforestation efforts and the promotion of drought-resistant crops, we’re slowly rehabilitating degraded land. We’re reducing soil erosion and encouraging more sustainable use of natural resources. Over time, this means stronger ecosystems, better air quality, and more biodiversity. It’s a long journey, but every seed we plant is a step toward healing both the land and the people who depend on it,” she said.
She noted that her ultimate goal is to inspire and empower the next generation to take ownership of their communities and environment.
“I’m still learning every day, but I’m proud of the work I started and I’m hopeful about what’s still to come.”
The Oshimwaku village headman, Phillipus Ndakeumbo extended gratitude to the team for the thoughtful gesture.
“On behalf of the Okahenge community, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Julia Heita, the Eco-Champions initiative, and SOS Children’s Villages Namibia for this generous support. These trees, seeds, and tools are more than just resources, they are a symbol of hope and growth for our people. This garden will not only feed our families but will also teach our children the value of sustainability and working together as a community. We are deeply thankful,” he said. -pmukokobi@nepc.com.na