The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance has extended support to three community initiatives in Swakopmund, redirecting a donation originally intended for delegates attending a parliamentary conference to children and families in need.
The donation, consisting of Oshitaka drinks, was handed over to Tears of Hope Orphanage Home in Mondesa, as well as Caroline Little Heaven and Belinda Soup Kitchen in the DRC informal settlement.
Recently, Chairperson of the committee, Helaria Mukapuli, said the committee decided to share the donation with vulnerable community members rather than keeping it for the conference delegates.
“We thought, why can’t we give this to the needy ones who really need it. Not that the members didn’t need it, but we thought, let’s share what we have and what we can,” Mukapuli said. Tears of Hope received 200 Oshitaka drinks, while Caroline Little Heaven and Belinda Soup Kitchen each received 150. Mukapuli said the three organisations were identified through the Office of the Erongo Governor and the Swakopmund Constituency Office.
Addressing the children at Tears of Hope, Mukapuli encouraged them not to allow their circumstances to determine their dreams or their future. “In life, never allow your circumstances to determine your dreams of your future. Continue to work hard, believe in yourselves, respect one another as you have become brothers and sisters,” she said. She described the donation as a small gesture that represented solidarity and a willingness to make a difference in people’s lives. “We hope that this small contribution will remind you that there are people who care about you and believe in the importance of giving children a better future,” Mukapuli said.
At Caroline Little Heaven and Belinda Soup Kitchen, Mukapuli acknowledged the commitment required to care for children and support vulnerable families. “Taking care of children is not an easy job. It requires patience, love and a whole lot of sacrifice and commitment,” she said, commending the organisations for their dedication. She added that although the donation might appear small, the committee believed it could make a difference in the lives of the children benefiting from the community projects. Mukapuli also emphasised that the donation was not taken from Parliament’s budget. “As I said, it did not come from the Parliament’s pocket, but it’s a donation from the Namibian people. But we just decided we want to share with you, especially your organisation, with the children of the Namibian nation,” she said.
The committee was in Swakopmund as part of a conference that brought together parliamentary budget and finance representatives from various African countries to discuss issues relating to parliamentary committees and budgets. Swakopmund Constituency Councillor Victor Maswahu welcomed the donation, saying it demonstrated Parliament’s connection to the everyday needs of communities. “It is a great honour and privilege for me as the regional councillor of Swakopmund constituency to express our sincere appreciation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance for the generous donation extended to special community projects in my constituency,” Maswahu said. He noted that the donation was reaching three community projects, one in Mondesa and two in DRC, where many families continue to face economic and social challenges. Maswahu said community-based initiatives play an important role in supporting residents facing these challenges.
“On behalf of the people of Swakopmund constituency, I wish to assure you that the committee’s generous donation is deeply appreciated,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of partnerships between Parliament, regional authorities, the private sector and community organisations in addressing the needs of residents. “To the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance, thank you for remembering Swakopmund and for bringing Parliament also,” Maswahu said.
By Sharlien Tjambari
