A Swakopmund based charity organisation, Cradle of Hope Foundation recently celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child in DRC, Swakopmund, with approximately 80 young girls in attendance.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!” Cradle of Hope founder, Francis Godenschweig remarked that the day was not simply about celebrating girls, but also about reminding the world that every girl has rights, every girl has potential, and every girl deserves a future. Her message to young girls was that they matter, their voices, dreams and future matter. “No girl should be forced to give up her childhood. No girl should be denied an education because of her circumstances. No girl should grow up believing that abuse, poverty or hardship defines who she will become,” Godenschweig noted in her opening address, further remarking that investing in a girl means giving her access to education, protection, healthcare, opportunities, encouragement and the freedom to dream. She continued by noting that at Cradle of Hope Foundation, they also recognise that some girls and women face circumstances that require more than encouragement.
They need a safe place to go. “That is why I am especially proud to share that we are working towards the launch of the Cradle of Hope Foundation Shelter – a safe haven for vulnerable and abused pregnant girls and women. The shelter will provide a place where they can find safety, dignity, counselling, support, hope and a new beginning. We want to help create an environment where a young woman who feels that she has nowhere to turn can say: ‘There is somewhere I can go. There are people who care. My life is not over’.” The Foundation’s believe is that by providing support and alternatives, they can also help address some of the circumstances that can lead to baby dumping and unsafe illegal abortion.
Godenschweig however emphasised the fact that they cannot do this alone and urged for the support of leaders, businesses, sponsors, organisations and people of goodwill to stand with them. “Our girls are not a problem to be solved. They are a generation to be invested in. To every girl sitting here today, I want you to remember one thing: Your beginning does not determine your ending. And never allow someone else to convince you that you are not worthy of a beautiful future,” she concluded.
Also speaking at the event was Matutura Secondary School principal, Leonie Reid who delivered a strong message of hope and encouragement to the young girls, with emphasis on the importance of education. Another guest speaker was Swakopmund Councillor Charlene Hartung who also presented an inspiring message to the girls and assured the Foundation that the Swakopmund Mayor and her office fully support their cause. Hartung encouraged the young girls to never measure their worth by appearance, popularity or the approval of others, emphasising that they have value before achieving anything. Her message to all young girls were to dream without limiting themselves, to use their voices without apologising for having one, and to believe in their potential, even on the days when they cannot yet see it themselves.
Interactive sessions were also conducted by Ms. Hilde Kazarako (opening prayer), Ms Christina Theron (Ms. Teen Walvis Bay) and Kirstie Strydom (Ms Face of Hope Namibia 2026) followed with refreshments for the young ones.
By Marshallino Beukes
