By Koviao Matuzee
“At Megameno, youth empowerment goes beyond education. It includes providing moral and emotional support, a stable home and a family environment where children are exposed to love, care and guidance,” says Megameno Home for orphans.
The organization founded in 2002 by Maria T. Shaalukeni, also joined with the Namibian Net- work of AIDS Service Organizations, provides shelter, care, and educational support for vulnerable and orphaned children.
Megameno Home for Orphans is built on the foundation of family. “The children are provided with a home, a sense of belonging, and are raised in an environment filled with love, care and emotional support.”
Behind the walls of the home are about 30 to 31 children, ranging from toddlers to young adults preparing for life beyond school. Some are in secondary school, others are pursuing tertiary education, while a few are finding their footing as they prepare to enter the workforce.
For Megameno, empowerment begins long before employment or qualifications.
It starts with making every child feel seen, valued and supported. The home places strong focus on moral support, and while education remains a priority, Megameno also encourages young people to explore their talents in areas such as sports, music, entrepreneurship, and practical skills, instead of forcing every child into the same path.
The older children take on leadership roles by supporting the younger ones and helping with daily responsibilities. Although the home does not have a youth advisory board, inclusivity is another important factor at the home, and through regular family meetings, youths are encouraged to share their opinions and participate in decisions affecting their lives, helping build confidence and independence.
The approach encourages open communication and gives them a sense of ownership within the family structure.
Mentorship and exposure also form part of the empowerment process. Through church programmes, community engagement and interactions with professionals and organizations, the children are exposed to opportunities beyond the home and encouraged to pursue their goals.
Equally important is the spirit of Ubuntu that shapes daily life at the home.
The children are taught the importance of compassion, community and supporting one an- other. In many ways, Megameno’s model of empowerment is less about individual success and more about building a generation that understands collective responsibility.
However, the journey is not without challenges. Like many child-care organisations, Megameno faces ongoing financial struggles. The home depends on donations to meet everyday needs such as food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, water, and electricity.
Infrastructure limitations, lack of transport, and limited access to technology and educational resources also remain significant obstacles.
Despite this, the organisation continues to survive through resilience, partnerships, community support, and the dedication of its founder and caregivers.
While the challenges are real, so are the success stories. Two former residents are now happily married, while others are carving out independent lives for themselves. For Megameno, success is not measured only by careers or achievements but every child who grows in confidence, every young person who finds purpose, and every life positively trans- formed is considered a victory.
Fundamentally, Megameno believes children never truly leave the home, but grow into independence while remaining part of the family. The organisation’s longstanding vision is to build a self-sustaining community which is able to care for its members while contributing meaningfully to society.
Within the laughter, resilience, and determination of the young people growing up at the home, Megameno continues to hold onto one powerful belief: that among these children could be future leaders, professionals, change makers or Namibia’s future president.
