Homeless brothers survive Ondangwa streets
A life overshadowed by fear and constant hunger
Aged between nine and 12, the brothers were kicked out of their home and now survive on scraps from the streets while living in an abandoned building.
Three minor boys claim to have been abandoned on the streets of Ondangwa as a result of a family confrontation that left them destitute and alone.
Their struggle to survive in the absence of shelter and food highlights the critical need for assistance and action to safeguard vulnerable lives.
When asked how they became homeless, the eldest, Joseph Shikongo (not his real name), said they used to stay with their mom in their aunt's house, but were chased out of the home after a fight between their mother and aunt.
They said their mother was also chased away, and they haven't seen her since last last month.
"One day when we came from school, our aunt was there and told us to leave, and after that, we never saw our mother since May, and we have been roaming on the streets of Ondangwa," he said.
Hungry and afraid
Although they have been provided sanctuary in an abandoned home by a stranger, their days are spent digging through trash cans for food leftovers.
At night, they huddle together for warmth beneath ragged blankets given to them by a church.
"We spend our days looking and begging for food from good Samaritans. Some days we get some food, and some days we do not get anything," the boys said.
The three boys, aged between nine and twelve, endure a life overshadowed by fear and constant hunger.
School put on hold
Their abandonment and forced homelessness have had serious repercussions, especially in terms of their education.
The three, who were in school before being kicked to the curb, said they wished they could return to school and be like other children.
"We have to put survival before education because we lack a stable home and parental direction," they said.
When Namibian Sun found them, searching for food at a closed supermarket, it was around 21:30 at night.
Not new
According to mayor Paavo Amwele, homeless children surviving on the streets of the town are not an isolated problem.
He said his office has also been informed of other minors who sleep beneath trucks in Ondangwa.
"These children need to be assisted, so we can also establish how we can engage the parents of these children," he said.
Amwele told Namibian Sun that his office will also consult with the government to determine the best way to address the issue.
Their struggle to survive in the absence of shelter and food highlights the critical need for assistance and action to safeguard vulnerable lives.
When asked how they became homeless, the eldest, Joseph Shikongo (not his real name), said they used to stay with their mom in their aunt's house, but were chased out of the home after a fight between their mother and aunt.
They said their mother was also chased away, and they haven't seen her since last last month.
"One day when we came from school, our aunt was there and told us to leave, and after that, we never saw our mother since May, and we have been roaming on the streets of Ondangwa," he said.
Hungry and afraid
Although they have been provided sanctuary in an abandoned home by a stranger, their days are spent digging through trash cans for food leftovers.
At night, they huddle together for warmth beneath ragged blankets given to them by a church.
"We spend our days looking and begging for food from good Samaritans. Some days we get some food, and some days we do not get anything," the boys said.
The three boys, aged between nine and twelve, endure a life overshadowed by fear and constant hunger.
School put on hold
Their abandonment and forced homelessness have had serious repercussions, especially in terms of their education.
The three, who were in school before being kicked to the curb, said they wished they could return to school and be like other children.
"We have to put survival before education because we lack a stable home and parental direction," they said.
When Namibian Sun found them, searching for food at a closed supermarket, it was around 21:30 at night.
Not new
According to mayor Paavo Amwele, homeless children surviving on the streets of the town are not an isolated problem.
He said his office has also been informed of other minors who sleep beneath trucks in Ondangwa.
"These children need to be assisted, so we can also establish how we can engage the parents of these children," he said.
Amwele told Namibian Sun that his office will also consult with the government to determine the best way to address the issue.
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