By Sostenus Wilherm
The Palms for Life Fund says is has introduced a new school-going programme aimed at keeping marginalised primary and secondary learners in classrooms within the Tsumkwe Constituency, through education support, environmental cleaning campaigns and youth empowerment initiatives.
According to the organization more than 30 learners are currently benefiting from monthly support in which each learner receives a package worth N$1,800, consisting of food parcels valued at N$600, stationery worth N$600 and toiletries worth N$600.
Palms For Life spokesperson Gabriel Tomas said the initiative is aimed at reducing school dropouts caused by poverty and difficult home conditions. He noted that instead of giving cash, the organisation provides essentials directly to avoid misuse linked to alcohol and drug abuse.
“We want to ensure learners stay in school and focus on their education be- cause many of them come from homes where there is no proper food, no uni- forms and very little parental support,” Tomas said.
According to him, one of the newly-introduced activity is a cleaning campaign in the area, in which learners participate after school for one hour, three days a week. The campaign focuses on cleaning the areas in and around school premises.
Coupled with this, the organisation also engages learners and youth through sports activities such as soccer tournaments held every three to four months, aimed at keeping them active and motivated.
Meanwhile, the broader Tsumkwe youth groups take part in wider community cleaning, including street cleaning and tree planting at households.
According to Tomas: “Tsumkwe is much cleaner now. We cleared bushes, improved sanitation, and planted trees. The community is beginning to take ownership of cleanliness.”
He said the programme also promotes discipline, environmental awareness and responsibility among young people.
Local schools, parents, traditional leaders and partners such as the Nyae Nyae Conservancy and the Ju/’hoansi Traditional Authority have supported the initiative by providing refuse bags and meals during campaigns.
According to him, despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly the lack of household waste bins in the settlement. However, Tomas said the organisation is engaging stakeholders to find long-term solutions.
The programme is currently funded by private donors, with no major corporate or government assistance. Even so, Palms for Life says it has recorded improvements in school attendance, largely attributed to the provision of food assistance.
The organisation plans to expand the initiative to other settlements in Namibia during a second phase of implementation, Thomas believes.
He further stressed the importance of collaboration in sustaining community development efforts, urging businesses and organisations to strengthen their social responsibility initiatives.
