KEETMANSHOOP - Aiming to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide shelter to the homeless and cheer the fallen, Reverend Leslie Leukes from the ZTT AME Church launched the Ememe project last weekend in this southern town.  

Ememe operates under the pillars: education, mission, evangelism, management and economic empowerment.

Delivering the welcoming remarks at the event, //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said the church’s unwavering determination will in the end make a positive impact on the lives of the disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community, and is truly commendable.  

“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and commend the local leadership and frontrunners of the Zacheus Thomas Trinity AME Church for their visionary and compassionate approach in conceptualising the Ememe partnership project,” she observed. 

Frederick said it is through this leadership’s dedication and commitment that this brilliant initiative has come to fruition.

 “I appreciate that this project aligns with the broader goals of the government’s social development and empowerment agenda, aiming to create a positive impact on the lives of those in need, “ she added. 

The governor also believes that by providing educational support, addressing basic needs such as food security, and promoting economic empowerment through income-generating projects, this initiative has the potential to bring about meaningful and sustainable change in the lives of those it seeks to serve.

Furthermore, the involvement of the regional leadership and support from institutions such as the Bank of Namibia (BoN) underscores the significance and potential impact of this initiative. 

“By garnering support at various levels, the ‘Ememe partnership project’ can leverage resources and expertise to effectively address the multifaceted challenges faced by disadvantaged community members,” she reasoned. 

 “I am, therefore, urging each and every one of you to appreciate and extend your wholehearted support to the Ememe partnership project,” Frederick stated. 

In the keynote address read on his behalf, Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab said it was a profound honour to witness the genesis of a venture which dares to transcend challenges and uplift the community of Keetmanshoop against all odds.

 “The central focus of this initiative is its unwavering commitment to addressing the socio-economic challenges within our society,” he noted.

!Gawaxab also urged community members to take charge, and cultivate homegrown solutions to become self-reliant in addressing societal challenges. In addition, he called upon all stakeholders, including the AME Church congregants and the business community of Keetmanshoop, to rally behind and support the initiative.

 “The Ememe project will serve as a bridge, connecting immediate community needs with lasting solutions,” the BoN governor observed. 

He also commended the visionary leaders who initiated this project under the guidance of Leukes, and heaped praises on the organizers. 

“Let this launch symbolise hope, resilience and unity,” !Gawaxab expressed.  The project aims to support students to better their qualifications and establish an after-school study centre. Plans are underway to establish a community school, pay registration fees for repeaters at Namcol, the reopening of the community soup kitchen, and support evangelism programmes. 

More than N$100 000 was pledged by various stakeholders during the launch.

- sklukowski@nepc.com.na