Isabel Bento 

SWAKOPMUND – Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has commended the work of the Ruach Elohim Foundation in providing care and protection to abandoned and vulnerable babies.

Speaking during a visit to the foundation’s baby house in Swakopmund ye, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said she was moved after learning about the organisation and particularly its baby saver box, which allows mothers to safely surrender infants instead of abandoning them.

“When I first heard about this initiative, my heart was moved,” she said, adding that the foundation’s approach aligns with her belief in assisting vulnerable people instead of condemning them.

The Speaker said the baby saver box demonstrates an alternative rooted in care and understanding, especially for young mothers facing difficult circumstances.

“We have saved them from the unthinkable, and we have saved their parents, who are children themselves. We have given them another opportunity through love,” she said.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila called on Namibians, businesses and institutions to support similar initiatives across the country, noting that the Swakopmund-based facility remains the only baby saver box in Namibia.

Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses described the foundation’s work as a vital intervention against social ills affecting young people and families.

She said alcohol and drug abuse contribute to incidents in which babies are abandoned, and praised the foundation for ensuring that “no life should be lost.”

/Goagoses further announced that the Erongo Regional Development Fund, which is being revived, intends to prioritise financial assistance to the foundation.

Meanwhile, social worker Catherine du Toit said the organisation was established as a registered welfare organisation, child protection organisation and residential childcare facility operating under the Child Care and Protection Act.

She explained that the foundation provides crisis intervention, counselling services for pregnant women and temporary shelter for abandoned and vulnerable babies.

The foundation began operating as a place of safety in 2018, while the baby saver box was installed in 2020.

Since then, more than 50 babies have been received through the baby saver box, while over 100 children in total have passed through the organisation’s care.

Du Toit said 25 children have been legally adopted into permanent homes and nine have been reunited with biological family members, while two were placed in foster care.

The foundation currently cares for 24 children, including nine babies with special needs.

-Nampa