Isabel Bento
SWAKOPMUND – Nestled within the DRC community in Swakopmund lies the Venessa Kindergarten: a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youths that is soon to be renamed Namibian Women and Children’s Foundation.
Founded by the determined Louisa Kativa, the kindergarten is not just a place of early childhood education, but it is also a lifeline for teenagers and young mothers facing immense challenges in life.
Kativa, the incumbent Swakopmund constituency councillor, is a former healthcare professional, who noticed a dire need for support among pregnant teenage girls, who are often from underprivileged backgrounds. These girls, burdened by societal pressures and lack of resources, faced bleak futures.
Determined to make a difference, she embarked on a mission to provide these teenagers with educational opportunities and a path to independence.
“During my tenure with the Ministry of Health, I encountered many young girls who dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy, or having no one to care for their babies when they wanted to go back to school. This prompted this initiative in 2018,” she elaborated.
That the institution operates
on a unique model. It caters
specifically to the needs of teenage mothers, whose babies are taken care of by the centre during the day, allowing mothers to go to school. The mothers breastfeed their babies during breaks while they are not busy with their homework.
“This innovative approach not only supports the teenagers academically, but also fosters a nurturing environment for both mother and child. There are currently about 30 youths on the programme, which depends on donations here and there to care, and feed the young mothers and their children,” she said.
Currently, there is only one caregiver and a few volunteers at the centre, offering pre-primary education and daycare services.
Despite the institution’s aim to make a difference in society, the journey has not been without challenges. The centre faces several limitations such as dilapidated infrastructure, limited space, and insufficient facilities.
The edu-carer at the kindergarten, Evanthia Kazondunge, who took up the role in 2020, said despite the challenges posed by limited resources, the spirit of determination thrives within the modest institution.
“The structure is falling apart, the roof is worn out, and the floor, once solid, now has to be covered with a plastic mat, causing water to pool in unexpected places when it rains or is too misty. The number of children is increasing, and they are now becoming overcrowded in the classroom,” Kazondunge stated.
Despite these obstacles, the team remains steadfast in their commitment to providing quality education and support to the community’s youth.
The caregiver emphasised the potential of every child, saying they are dedicated to unlocking it, regardless of financial constraints, outlining some of the success stories at the institution.
One of the young people who has benefited and continues to benefit from this programme is 19-year-old Genesis Jafet, who is in Grade 10.
Jafet joined the programme last year when she lost her one-year-old son to illness.
“This programme helped me get over the ordeal of losing my baby, while encouraging and motivating me to go back to school after I dropped out after to falling pregnant. I did not have much support from home after losing my child. Joining this programme was the best decision I made for my future because I am now back in school and more determined than ever to complete my studies,” she said.
Another success story is
Uakataviza Katjimune, a 27-year-old who is determined to complete his education. Despite facing setbacks after high school, Katjimune’s encounter with Venessa Kindergarten reignited his passion for learning.
He had moved from Okakarara to Swakopmund to seek a better life to support his parents and family back home. He was then referred to the institution, which has assisted him with his studies.
“Through their financial assistance, I was able to upgrade my Grade 12 results, scoring an impressive 30 points. I now want to pursue further studies, and be a chartered accountant. I am forever grateful to this institution for enabling me to come this far in my studies. Had it not been for them, I would not have been able to find this path for myself,” he added.
Venessa Kindergarten is now seeking assistance to secure a larger piece of land to expand its facilities.
Additionally, it needs funding to sponsor deserving students like Katjimune to take up university education, ensuring their aspirations are not limited by financial constraints.
Beyond academics, the school envisions a holistic approach to empowerment. Plans for a playground, though limited by space, symbolise the commitment to fostering the physical well-being as well as mental growth.
Additionally, initiatives like gardening and entrepreneurial mentorship are needed to instil self-sufficiency and resilience within the community.
“We do not just want hand-out assistance; we want to equip families with the tools to create opportunities for themselves to build sustainable livelihoods,” Kazondunge expressed.
She passionately advocated the future of Namibia’s youth, with a clear message that no child should be left behind. She said through collective effort and support from the community, the programme will continue to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for generations to come.
– Nampa