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Empower children
To choose their own future.
Our aim is to help uplift the living standards of children from different disadvantaged backgrounds where there is no food provided. Through sports education and morning meals to different schools in the Township of Mondesa. This project aims to bring people together, from all walks of the world and try making a difference in the kid’s life through school projects.
Our Veggiehouse at Festus Gonteb
A True Highlight!
In April 2025, we built a 300 m² fruit and vegetable greenhouse. Children now learn how to plant, care for, and harvest spinach, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, herbs – and even bananas, lemons, and apples.
Learning by doing – in its most delicious form: because the harvest goes straight into their daily warm meal.
Each day, around 400 children line up at the soup kitchen – for porridge, vegetable stew, or, on lucky days, a bit of meat.
But soon, “one warm meal a day” will take on a whole new meaning: the vegetables on their plates will be grown with their own hands.
The greenhouse is cared for together with the teachers – and it grows, just like the children themselves.
A Full Stomach for a Bright Mind
A Warm Meal a day.
Many children come to school on an empty stomach because there’s no food at home – hardly a good condition for concentration in class.
Since the school began offering a warm meal each day, 400 more children now attend classes regularly.
At 10:40 a.m., they receive a plate of maize porridge and a cup of tea or water.
Sometimes, a simple meal makes all the difference.
Girls Got Power – and Now the Boys Step Up Too
A platform that lifts instead of labels.
The Girls Club radiates strength: the girls wear their membership with pride, and Ms. Hewicke and her team hit the mark with topics that are real, deep, and empowering.
Now the boys are stepping in – and they’re ready: 85 boys from grades 5 and 6 have joined the Boys Club. A powerful statement!
In recent years, many projects in Namibia have focused on empowering girls – important, but not enough. Boys need space too. For their questions, their growth, their voice.
The Boys Club creates exactly that: a platform that lifts instead of labels. That listens instead of judges. That turns boys into strong young men.
Festus Gonteb Primary School Library
A Window to the World
In early 2019, we built and began expanding the library at Festus Gonteb Primary School. The exterior of the container was freshly painted, secure windows were installed, and an alarm system put in place – to keep knowledge safe and sound.
Before entering, the children hang their school bags on outdoor hooks – and step into new worlds full of imagination.
Since then, we’ve added many new books each year – opening even more doors to discovery.
Because reading is the first step into a bigger world.
By the end of April, a fresh breeze will be blowing through our school library – thanks to our new library administrator, who’s not only passionate about books but also full of bright ideas.
Visually, change is in the air too: the old carpets are being removed, and new wooden chairs are coming in – just the right size to let even the youngest readers dive into their book adventures in comfort.
ICT, Laptops, Printer and TV
Learning, Writing, Discovering – Our Library in Action
At eight laptops and several computers, students can type up their assignments and print them out on site.
Our librarian introduces the latest books, keeps the catalogue up to date, and supports teachers during lessons.
We’ve also installed a TV and DVD player – and every Friday, one class gets to enjoy a film of their choice.
A library that’s more than books – it’s a place to learn, create, and be inspired.
More Than Fabric – A Feeling of Belonging
Being equal: This year, we provided over 200 children with full school uniforms – trousers, sweaters, shirts, socks, and shoes in vibrant yellow, bold green, and classic grey.
What may seem ordinary to some means pride, identity, and equal opportunity for these children.
Shoes in particular were a challenge this year – their prices skyrocketed compared to last year.
Because a uniform is more than just clothing.
It says: You belong.
Sewing with Impact
Win-Win-Situation
In our sewing container, it’s not just fabric being mended – it’s futures being shaped. Two women use the container free of charge, and in return, they give back something truly valuable: they repair school uniforms for the children twice a week.
It’s a win-win situation – the women have a safe workplace, and the children wear neat, cared-for clothing.
A small stitch with a big impact.
Last but not least: We’ll reintroduce the sewing program for students at a later stage.
Learning Through Play – Our Kindergarten Gets Moving
Big things are happening for our little ones!
From old swing parts and a play tower, we created an entirely new kindergarten playground – complete with climbing tower, stilt house, mini rope park, and colorful ground games.
But this is more than play – it’s learning in action: balance, kindness, sharing, tidying up – all the things that help little people grow big in life.
A mini football field, hopscotch, letters, numbers, and the popular “Mirror Me” game invite children to explore through play.
Because learning begins with play – and we take that seriously.
Team Spirit On and Off the Field
Shirts and Shoes!
Thanks to generous donors from Swakopmund, the first team has been equipped with jerseys and shoes.
Daily training not only brings the students great joy but also helps them improve their focus. The basketball hoops are in constant use – and for the girls, volleyball is the top choice.
Learning to brush Teeth
Oral hygiene is often neglected by many children. That’s why every kindergarten child receives their own toothbrush – generously sponsored by TRISA Switzerland.
With a fun little story, brushing teeth becomes an adventure:
The two cheeky bacteria, Dicky and Hacky, love nothing more than sweets and building tiny sugar houses in children’s teeth. But they are quickly chased away by the tooth police – toothbrush and toothpaste!
Brushing becomes fun – and the children proudly beam with their sparkling clean teeth.
Lana – a story that touches the heart
Lana is 13 (name changed, the photo of the three children from the township is symbolic).
And she’s smart – so smart you simply can’t overlook her.
She lives with her family of six in the dusty alleys of the poorest area in the DRC township – in a tiny shack made of scrap metal, with no windows but plenty of courage.
What makes Lana special?
She’s the only one in her family with a birth certificate. A simple piece of paper that opens the door to education. Without it – as her younger siblings know all too well – there’s no school place. Although they’re 8 and 10, they aren’t allowed to learn.
The school principal is fighting: for papers, for opportunities, for humanity.
Together with Lana’s teacher – who even offered her own ID card – and with our support, one thing has already been achieved: the family now has access to water – a luxury they didn’t know until recently. Thanks to a magnetic chip, they can now fetch water at the public tap and carry it home in containers.
Lana? She won’t let anything bring her down.
She’s among the top three in her class – A’s and B’s as if it’s the most natural thing. If she continues like this, she’s sure to receive a high school scholarship.
And her biggest dream? “To get out of here. Out of the DRC. To study one day.”
Her parents collect aluminum cans, search through garbage bins – often starting as early as 4 a.m. They give their best. And so does Lana.
Until then, we support.
With water, food, soap – and hope.
Ausblick Internat
Protection and Reliability
(The girl in the photo is symbolic and represents many other children)
Something has changed in the Township and DRC – and not for the better. Violence, neglect, and drugs are on the rise. More and more often, we hear of first- and second-graders being used as drug couriers. Children who are not allowed to be children.
At home, many no longer find safety – no protection, no reliability.
The hostel for the youngest children is currently being renovated. A place where they can find peace, learn, play, and simply be children again. But it won’t be ready until the next school year.
With just 250 Swiss francs per year, a child can move into the hostel – including two meals a day, hygiene products, and clothing.
It’s not just about a bed.
It’s about dignity.
And a future.