NKURENKURU – The Namibian Police Force in the Kavango West region on Monday received donations of items worth N$ 24 000 from the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) via the gender and child welfare ministry.

The donated items, which comprised a fridge, stove, table and four chairs, a microwave and utensils, including pots, will be used to cater to gender-based violence (GBV) victims housed under the woman and child protection unit at the Nkurenkuru police regional headquarters.

The donation was received by Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, the regional commander. 

“The donations came at the right time when it was needed for the GBV shelter based at the Nkurenkuru police station. The shelter houses victims of GBV and domestic violence as well as vulnerable people in the region who require needs such as food and beddings at the time of the incident,” she said during the donation.

Sakuwa-Neo said the shelter accommodates a maximum of about 10 victims. “The donated items will definitely help the shelter,” she said.

The donation was in response to the drought crisis in the country. 

UNFPA is implementing lifesaving interventions to mitigate GBV and its consequences in drought-affected communities, such as Omaheke, Kavango West and Kavango regions, through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

The efforts include the distribution of dignity kits, food parcels and psychosocial support, delivery of life skills information, establishment of referral pathways, support of shelters and GBV units to provide essential services as well as enhancement of access to sexual and reproductive health services through mobile outreach services. 

The delivery from UNFPA is to strengthen the GBV shelter for GBV survivors as identified by the service providers. -jmuyamba@nepc.com.na