Ongha elders, orphans treated to early Christmas party
Christmas came early for pensioners and orphans and vulnerable children at Ongha in the Endola Constituency of the Ohangwena Region.
On Thursday more than 50 elders and children were treated to lunch and afterwards received food hampers.
The annual event is organised by the Hailonga Old Age Home. This year the event was sponsored by the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority to the tune of N$5 000.
Elders, children and people living with HIV at the two Ongha villages, Onandova village and Omakango village were all catered for.
It is a welcome social gathering for the elderly, many of whom live isolated lives because they have trouble walking long distances.
The chairperson of the old-age home, Maria Kapofi, says she registered the home in 2010 because she has a soft spot for people in need.
“Ever since I started doing this in 2010, I visit them at their homes where I either find them alone or in the care of a very small child. It disturbed me and that's why I devote my time to making sure the elderly in Ongha are well taken care of,” Kapofi said.
“In my spare time I go to their homes to wash their clothes, cook for them, pound their mahangu and assist those who cannot bath themselves,” Kapofi added.
She said the old-age home has also assisted those who live with the HIV virus by helping them to set up small businesses to earn a living.
However, every success story has its share of challenges. Kapofi singles out financial constraints and the attitudes of those who do not appreciate what she does.
“It was not easy as people were questioning me as to what I want to achieve,” she said.
The Hailonga Old Age Home's secretary and marketing officer, Linekela Nashandi, thanked the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority for sponsoring the event.
Nashandi said he had knocked on the doors of many businesses for funding but the response was not good at all.
He called on corporates to help them realise their dream of constructing a centre for those they care about.
KENYA KAMBOWE
On Thursday more than 50 elders and children were treated to lunch and afterwards received food hampers.
The annual event is organised by the Hailonga Old Age Home. This year the event was sponsored by the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority to the tune of N$5 000.
Elders, children and people living with HIV at the two Ongha villages, Onandova village and Omakango village were all catered for.
It is a welcome social gathering for the elderly, many of whom live isolated lives because they have trouble walking long distances.
The chairperson of the old-age home, Maria Kapofi, says she registered the home in 2010 because she has a soft spot for people in need.
“Ever since I started doing this in 2010, I visit them at their homes where I either find them alone or in the care of a very small child. It disturbed me and that's why I devote my time to making sure the elderly in Ongha are well taken care of,” Kapofi said.
“In my spare time I go to their homes to wash their clothes, cook for them, pound their mahangu and assist those who cannot bath themselves,” Kapofi added.
She said the old-age home has also assisted those who live with the HIV virus by helping them to set up small businesses to earn a living.
However, every success story has its share of challenges. Kapofi singles out financial constraints and the attitudes of those who do not appreciate what she does.
“It was not easy as people were questioning me as to what I want to achieve,” she said.
The Hailonga Old Age Home's secretary and marketing officer, Linekela Nashandi, thanked the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority for sponsoring the event.
Nashandi said he had knocked on the doors of many businesses for funding but the response was not good at all.
He called on corporates to help them realise their dream of constructing a centre for those they care about.
KENYA KAMBOWE
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