Zebaldt Ngaruka
OKAJOMBO – Miss Namibia semi-finalist Jessica Jaama Katjiteo, through her Foundation called Jessica High Five, donated stationery worth N$ 30 000 to schools and kindergartens in the Omaheke region’s Epukiro constituency recently.
The 26-year-old beauty contestant also gave sanitary pads, babies’ powdered milk, nappies, wipes, milk bottles and adult nappies worth N$7 000 to the San community in the settlement.
Katjiteo shared with VIBEZ! that she was triggered by the need for stationery by many school children, and marginalised San women for their difficulties in acquiring all the necessities after giving birth.
The Miss Namibia contestant said her journey in the competition has been an incredible experience, filled with learning, growth and empowerment.
“Being part of this prestigious programme allows me to not only embrace the opportunity of representing our constituency, but also to give back in ways that truly matter,” she noted.
Katjiteo appreciates the power of community and the strength of unity, which have been nothing short of inspiring. The Okajombo-based beauty competitor said the Miss Namibia pageant gave her strength and resilience as a young lady, and she is inspired by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Katjiteo further thanked the San community for holding onto their culture with pride and confidence.
“Continue to let your culture define who you truly are. Your dreams were once my dreams, and your wishes were once my wishes,” she said.
In addition, Katjiteo took the oath as Youth Ambassador of the San in the Epukiro constituency.
“Your cries are being heard. I am planning to turn your prayers into something productive. It may take a while, but we will get there,” she said confidently.
She further called on the Epukiro community to kindly assist the San brothers and sisters in need.
“We may not feed them all, but there will be a change in someone else’s life. I want to leave a legacy which will be remembered by the next generation to come,” she said.
The 26-year-old Miss Namibia semi-finalist also acknowledged Epukiro constituency councillor Piniel Pakarae for his efforts in making the day a reality.
“We had a great collaboration with the constituency office and Grateful Hearts Foundation of Ngumee Kuhanga, wherein we undertook a successful trip to Osava, Otumbonde, Okatuuo, Post 3 and Otjijere villages where clothing materials, shoes and stationery were given to the community and kindergartens.”
Receiving the donations for the San community was N/àankuse clinic manager Theo Jazema Tjiseseta, who appreciated the gesture from Katjiteo.
“This will make a difference, and it will help the community a lot. We are happy, and thank the young ladies for their support,” he added.
The manager said Kuhanga’s Grateful Hearts Foundation’s clothing donation is likewise a remarkable gesture.
“It is good to see people sharing with the needy, as giving is caring. The marginalised San are happy because it’s wintertime, and clothing is needed,” he continued.
On his part, constituency councillor Pakarae complimented the youth for ploughing back into the community.
“These are part of the constituency’s development goals under the human development aspect. Jessica and Ngumee’s efforts are visible and commendable,” he stated.
“These youth need to be empowered in their efforts, and the community should assist them in their plight to assist the less vulnerable, marginalised and the have-nots in society,” Pakarae pleaded.
The schools which benefitted are Epukiro Secondary School and Okovimburu-based Good Hope Primary School.
N/àankuse, Otjijere, Otumbonde, Okatuuo, Okajombo and two Post 3 kindergartens are the Early Childhood Development centres received the stationery donations.
-zngaruka@yahoo.com