N‡a Jaqna makes a difference
There has been much criticism of Namibia's communal conservancies and their inability to deliver benefits to their communities.
However, in the N‡a Jaqna Conservancy, the largest conservancy in Namibia and one of only two that are managed by the San people, they take benefit distribution very seriously.
This month, food supplies worth N$96 000 were distributed to 16 schools in the area. During times of food insecurity and drought any form of assistance is welcome, especially for the most vulnerable - the children of the conservancy.
This is the second year the conservancy has distributed food to local schools.
The conservancy understands that even basic food supplies are hard to come by for the schools and that the children are a priority.
The schools are often the ones that feed the children and it is the only square meal they might get.
Each of the schools received N$6 000 worth of cooking oil, maize meal, soup, pasta and canned fish.
These supplies make a big difference in this impoverished area, where children often depend on school food to stave off hunger.
Sarah Zungu, chairperson of N‡a Jaqna, said: “The community decided at our annual general meeting that supplementing the food in schools was a priority, so we are doing what we can.
“This distribution of food is a perfect example of a community helping out its most vulnerable members and providing direct benefits.
“We would be able to do more if we received more help from the authorities in dealing with the illegal land grabbing, fencing and grazing, as this impacts on the land and resources available to our community to survive on.
“We are still waiting for the Land Board to implement the High Court judgment of 2016 and do an audit of illegal fencing, but there is no action; we are really on our own trying to support our community.”
STAFF REPORTER
However, in the N‡a Jaqna Conservancy, the largest conservancy in Namibia and one of only two that are managed by the San people, they take benefit distribution very seriously.
This month, food supplies worth N$96 000 were distributed to 16 schools in the area. During times of food insecurity and drought any form of assistance is welcome, especially for the most vulnerable - the children of the conservancy.
This is the second year the conservancy has distributed food to local schools.
The conservancy understands that even basic food supplies are hard to come by for the schools and that the children are a priority.
The schools are often the ones that feed the children and it is the only square meal they might get.
Each of the schools received N$6 000 worth of cooking oil, maize meal, soup, pasta and canned fish.
These supplies make a big difference in this impoverished area, where children often depend on school food to stave off hunger.
Sarah Zungu, chairperson of N‡a Jaqna, said: “The community decided at our annual general meeting that supplementing the food in schools was a priority, so we are doing what we can.
“This distribution of food is a perfect example of a community helping out its most vulnerable members and providing direct benefits.
“We would be able to do more if we received more help from the authorities in dealing with the illegal land grabbing, fencing and grazing, as this impacts on the land and resources available to our community to survive on.
“We are still waiting for the Land Board to implement the High Court judgment of 2016 and do an audit of illegal fencing, but there is no action; we are really on our own trying to support our community.”
STAFF REPORTER
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article