Imelda Munika
Florian Jacky Marembo, a 27-year-old final-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Public Management at NUST in Windhoek, is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people and orphans in informal settlements.
He is the founder of the Marembo Charity Foundation, a non-profit organisation established in 2012, dedicated to the well-being of orphans, vulnerable children and individuals, and community development initiatives.
“Marembo Charity Foundation is committed to promoting the development of orphans, vulnerable children, and people in informal settlements, empowering them to become responsible citizens and active members of their local communities,” Marembo explained.
The foundation currently comprises eight members based in Windhoek and the Kavango East region.
Marembo ‘s personal background growing up in an informal settlement gave him a unique perspective.
“Being raised in an informal settlement had its disadvantages and advantages. I was aware of poverty, but it was more of a concept to me, as my parents ensured we lacked nothing. However, witnessing the poverty affecting my peers and neighbours motivated me to take action.” Thus, on 6 June 2012, Marembo Charity Foundation was born, guided by four core pillars:
Spoon of hope kitchen: This initiative focuses on alleviating hunger in the Windhoek and Kavango East regions by providing meals to underprivileged, vulnerable children, and orphans.
Cloth a vulnerable child: The foundation aims to provide clothing to underprivileged and orphaned children in society.
Keep a girl child in school: To ensure that girls do not miss out on their education due to a lack of sanitary pads, the foundation distributes sanitary pads to schools. Marembo emphasised, “It’s not a choice but a necessity for these girls.”
Empowering young mothers and teen girls: This programme seeks to rehabilitate and reintegrate young girls who have become mothers at a young age, offering them hope and opportunities for a brighter future.
Over the past few years, the foundation has made a significant impact by assisting numerous vulnerable and orphaned individuals. They primarily rely on donations from their team members’ pockets and write proposals to companies and individuals for support.
Marembo acknowledged their urgent need for sanitary pads and food, which are in high demand. He encouraged anyone willing to assist or make donations to reach out to their team.
Marembo Charity Foundation’s mission is a testament to the power of individuals who are driven by compassion and a desire to uplift their communities, demonstrating that charity indeed begins at home.