August, 2020 News

CSN Responds to Covid 19. Our sister charity, Children’s Sanctuary Namibia (CSN) is working hard to ensure orphans and vulnerable children are as well looked after as possible in these challenging circumstances. During the lockdown, CSN received a special permit from Ministry of Health to continue its activities. When all public schools along with their associated food programs were closed in April, numbers of children using the Soup Kitchen rose, fluctuating daily, placing greater demands on the Soup Kitchen volunteers.  They fed an average of 112 children three times a week. At times the number grew to as high as 184. CSN stockpiled vitamins and food to prepare for the closure of borders and the restricted movement of goods and supplies. The Board of CSN and the volunteers received instruction in proper hand washing and sanitizing techniques. Physical distancing was implemented to protect the children from congregating in large groups. CSN quickly adopted “best practices” to maintain the well being of everyone. To date, no active cases of Covid 19 have been reported in the community and schools have begun a gradual reopening. 

One of several hand-washing stations set up on the Sanctuary Land.

Covid 19 created great challenges in providing security for the Sanctuary land. With cities under lockdown and businesses closed, many family members returned to Drimiopsis. People sought to set up camp on the unfenced portion of the Sanctuary Land. The three staff employed as security guard, gardener and handyman for the Sanctuary received uniforms. Efforts are now underway to raise funds to fence the entire perimeter of the Sanctuary’s 4.5 hectares. This is an urgent priority.

Security guard David Afrikaner, Gardener/Handyman Joel Zuma, and Assistant Gardener Johannes Kafuru pose in their new uniforms.

Update on the Mother House. We are pleased to announce that toilets and showers are installed in the “Mother House”, one unit for the girls and a separate one for the boys. A big thank you to CSN Board Member, Jeremiah Molestane, who oversaw this installation. Work on the “Mother House” continues with the planning and installation of laundry facilities. 

Toilets and showers (ablution unit) are now installed in the “Mother House” .

One of the toilets installed in the boys’ ablution unit.

House Mother and Volunteer Training. The Covid 19 lockdown has kept house Mothers from being able to travel to the orphanage in Omaruru for training and work experience. This training is a prerequisite to the children being placed in the Mother House by the Ministry. Training for the soup kitchen volunteers and Sanctuary staff continues to be provided by the CSN Board on site in Drimiopsis. Workshops take place in the “Mother House”.

A note about Fundraising. The June 7th house concert planned in North Vancouver, BC was cancelled due to Covid 19. The CSNS Board is currently exploring online fundraising opportunities. The Spring Bulb sale and plant sales held in Gibsons, BC were a big success this year, raising $1,015 and $2,300 respectively. Our deep gratitude to all who purchased a plant!

May you be inspired to support our work! Donations of any amount are welcome and will be doubled! An anonymous donor has stepped forward to help us with our fundraising efforts during these challenging times by matching all donations up to $10,000 or until December 31. Use the PayPal option on the “Take Action” page of this website,  in Canada through electronic bank transfer to the charity’s email  contact@childrenssanctuarynamibiasociety.com   or mailed directly to our Treasurer, Betty Owen, 493 Central Avenue, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V1. 

Thank you!

CSN Responds to Covid 19

Our sister organization, Children’s Sanctuary Namibia (CSN) has prepared for the virus and is continuing to feed the children who rely on the Sanctuary and Soup Kitchen. Information about the virus has been very limited in villages such as Drimiopsis. CSN has been in contact with their local politicians and boards of health to encourage and promote the communication of this vital information to people living in Drimiopsis and similar villages in the country.

CSN is working to ensure the orphans are as well looked after as possible in these challenging circumstances. They have procured extra vitamins for the children and have stockpiled food in preparation for the closure of borders and restriction of movement of goods and supplies. The Board of CSN and the volunteers who work at the Sanctuary have had instruction in proper hand washing and sanitizing techniques and are wearing gloves. Measures to put physical distancing in place have been developed, protecting the children from congregating in large groups. Children’s Sanctuary Namibia (CSN) has been quick to adopt “best practices” to maintain the well being of everyone.

CSN fed 106 children at the Soup Kitchen held earlier this week. The closure of all public schools and their associated food program has placed a greater strain on Soup Kitchen volunteers. We are so grateful for the work and dedication of the volunteers and the Board members of CSN and pray for the health of all in Drimiopsis.

Chief Ita Kambases displaying a sample of the food items purchased just days before South Africa closed its border. The board is pleased to have a good stock of food, soap and cleaning materials on hand as much of Namibia’s food supply comes from South Africa.

In preparation for the distribution of vitamins to the children, CSN Board members Theresa Matengu and Chief Ita Kambases sanitize their surroundings thoroughly and wear plastic smocks and gloves.

To help increase the children’s health and immunity, multi-vitamins were purchased. In addition, CSN received a donation of Vitamin B complex (5,000 tablets) for the children at CSN.

The children practice physical distancing as they wait in line for their vitamin supplements.

A young child receives supplements from a volunteer.

One of the many hand washing stations on the Sanctuary Land. Volunteers continually refill the buckets with water. The Mother House is shown in the background.

The soup kitchen volunteers also practice personal hygiene and physical distancing.

Frequent hand washing is encouraged and especially prior to receiving a meal.

A young child being served by a soup kitchen volunteer.

A nutritious meal of rice and lentils made by the volunteers.

The High Commissioner of Botswana Visits the Sanctuary Land

By Theresa Matengu, CSN Board Member - Namibia

The High Commissioner of Botswana, (in blue), sitting next to the Honourable Festus Ueitele, Governor of Omaheke and delegates.

Children’s Sanctuary Namibia’s relationship with the High Commission of Botswana began in 2017 when a delegation came to visit Drimiopsis. The delegation spent a full day interacting with CSN volunteers, board members, community members and the children to learn about CSN’s work and their goals for the children. The delegation indicated that they were touched by what was happening because it is not everyone who can do such things.

When they visited again the following year, 2018, the High Commissioner of Botswana presented a small food and soap hamper to each child, along with some food stuffs to supplement their daily feeding. 

The High Commissioner of Botswana and the Governor of Omaheke presenting children with hampers.

In August 2019, the Botswana High Commissioner wrote to CSN expressing their desire to visit the Sanctuary Land on the 30th September, Botswana’s Independence Day. The CSN Board was thrilled to host the delegation at their new premises on the Sanctuary Land. Pastor Tshediso Moletsane, the Chairperson of the CSN, Lydia Moletsane, Chief Ita, Theresa Matengu, Mr Jack Louise who was the director of ceremony for the day, and all the volunteers were involved with the preparations for the event.

The Honourable Governor of Omaheke addressing the gathering

The children welcomed the delegation with a San dance. The High Commissioner of Botswana, Honourable Claurinah Tshenolo Modise and her delegation, Honourable Ignatius Kariseb the Councillor, the Advisor to the Governor Pio Nganate and the Honourable Festus Ueitele the Governor of Omaheke and his delegation, CSN board members, volunteers and the kindergarten children were all present.

Both representatives addressed the gathering. The High Commissioner indicated that the Nationals of the Republic of Botswana working in Namibia found it fit to contribute in order to help the situation at the Sanctuary. They do not have a lot but, they came to share the little they have for they have been deeply touched by what is happening at the Sanctuary. They are motivated by the Setswana saying “Matlo go ša mabapi”, translated as “When thy neighbour’s house doth burn be careful thine own”. They are impressed by the on-going progress of the building of the Orphanage and they would like to be a part of it. Chief Ita gave the vote of thanks and urged the Omaheke Governor to step in and assist as well, indicating the need for electricity.

The anthems of the two countries were sung and gifts of mealie meal, canned meat, beans, cooking oil, flour and sugar were presented as well as a water tank which is engraved. On receiving the gifts on behalf of the government of Namibia, the Governor thanked The Botswana High Commission and the Nationals of Botswana in Namibia for the kindness they have shown to their children. He lamented that they do not have gold or silver to appreciate but they have love for Botswana High Commission. The councillor closed the event by donating 10 bags of cement to build a stand for the tank.

Botwasna’s Water Tank Gift to the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary Soup Kitchen

During our joyful 10 day visit to Drimiopsis in August, with Helge Mercker as our guide, Diane, Betty and Judy became well acquainted with CSN Board members and their vision for the Sanctuary Land that supports orphans in the community. We spent hours each day on the land with Chief Ita, the soup kitchen volunteers and the orphaned children who came to hold a special place in our hearts.

As school was out during our stay, CSNS hosted a daily soup kitchen on the Sanctuary Land feeding 75 orphans and dozens of other children from the community. Thanks to a special donation received from patrons of Diane’s hair salon in North Vancouver, the children received daily a special food item with their meal, such as meat, oranges, apples or peanut butter sandwiches. The children truly relished these unexpected treats!

Chief Ita (front in white) with several of the soup kitchen volunteers on the Sanctuary Land. These incredible volunteers prepare a meal of lentil soup, mealiemeal or rice in the outdoor kitchen behind them. The soup kitchen is sponsored twice weekly by CSNS with 75 orphans attending regularly. During the August visit, the soup kitchen fed up to 140 children each day.

CSNS Board members Betty Owen, Diane Mawson and Judy Dunbar serving the children their meal prepared by the regular volunteers. What a joy and privilege it was to serve these precious children!

Two of Zuma’s children enjoying a meal from the soup kitchen.

Chief Ita on the Sanctuary Land with the outdoor kitchen behind her. Along with two other volunteers, Chief Ita made the bracelets on the tree beside her. We purchased the bracelets with the intention to offer them for sale at future fundraisers.

Some children playing on the Sanctuary Land. Chief Ita reports, “I am so happy that many children have been lifted and supported by their presence on the Sanctuary Land. Through the soup kitchen held there, their connection and sense of belonging to the land is growing”.

To hear more about our Namibian adventures scroll down to read The Mother House and A Visit to Sanveld Kindergarten.

If you feel called to make a donation, go to the Take Action page of our website.

The Mother House - A Future Home for Children

The “Moeder huis” with the soup kitchen in the foreground.

 Our visit to the Sanctuary Land provided the opportunity to witness first-hand the progress being made on the “Moeder Huis” (Mother House). While there’s still considerable work to be done before the building is finished, we are excited and happy with the progress being made on the building. CSN Board members Helge Mercker, Theresa Matengu, Chief Ita, Jeremiah Molestane, Lydia Molestane all agree that finishing the building is the top priority. Toilets, showers, washing/laundry facilities, sewage and electricity are all needed before the children can be placed.

The “Moeder Huis” was designed by volunteer Johan Van Niekerk, a local architect who made several visits to the site to monitor the building’s construction. When completed the building will hold two dormitories, each housing 8 to 10 children and a house mother. The plan includes a boys’ dormitory, a girls’ dormitory, a large meeting room, an office, kitchen, storage area, toilets, showers and laundry area.

Earlier this year, CSNS contributed to the development of the land by purchasing a generator, providing funds for the drilling of the borehole (well), plus 2 water tanks with stand and pipes needed to complete the water supply for the Sanctuary Land. CSNS also contributed some building materials such as cement and paint. CSNS pays the wages for the two employees currently on site; Zuma, the gardener/handyman and Moses the security guard.

CSNS Board Members Diane Mawson and Betty Owen with CSN Board member Helge Mercker and Gardener/Handyman, Zuma pointing to the borehole or well funded by CSNS donors.

Now with water on the land, the development of a garden is underway. In another area not shown, Zuma is developing a garden with indigenous plants. His wages are provided by CSNS donors.

Char, carrots, beets and onions are now growing on the land! The long term goal is for the Sanctuary Land to be as self-sufficient as possible.

With the purchase of the water tanks and stand, the water supply to the Sanctuary Land is now complete. Our heart-felt thanks to CSNS donors who made this possible!

The construction workers enjoying a well deserved “soup kitchen” lunch! Special thanks to CSN Board Member Jeremiah Molestane who oversees the brick making process and the overall progress of the building’s construction.

Soup kitchen volunteers, Amanda and Meena busy painting one of several rooms in the “Moeder Huis”. The progress of the building brings great hope and inspiration to the volunteers and to many in the community.

Loving care for the children from committed, compassionate volunteers.

Soup kitchen volunteers Lydia and Katrina making bracelets from ostrich shells.

Moses the Security Guard with a hippo roller used to transport water to his home located outside the fenced area.

In honour of our visit, Chief Ita invited elders from the community to the Sanctuary Land for daily healing/prayer circles which were held following the meals for the children.

It was a great privilege to sit in circle with these dear souls, to hear their songs, prayers and stories. It was wonderful to see several children be drawn to the circles and to become an integral part of them.

Chief Ita with her wonderful group of soup kitchen volunteers, CSNS Board members Diane, Helge, Betty and Judy in the back row. All working together in harmony on a shared vision for the orphaned and vulnerable children!