Okahandja soup kitchen feeds over 800 kids
What was meant to be a humble soup drive for 250 children on 5 July turned into a heartwarming miracle as over 800 children showed up at the Samaritan Network Church in Saamstaan, Okahandja, and not one left hungry.
Paulina Shapwanale, a resident of Okahandja, found herself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as child after child lined up for what, for many, was their only warm meal that day.
"Why must our little ones suffer so much in a small town like Okahandja?” she asked, holding back tears while ladling soup into yet another bowl.
With the help of a N$5 000 sponsorship from Betzilla Namibia, clothing donations from friends, food combos, and even a box of sponsored scarves from a group of concerned citizens, Shapwanale turned a simple idea into a powerful moment of unity.
Her friends volunteered their cars to transport soup pots. It was not just a soup kitchen drive; it was a full-blown movement wrapped in steam, smiles and solidarity.
While waiting for their food, children played soccer, exchanged stories and laughed like only kids can, full of joy despite their circumstances. A particularly touching moment arose when a resident decided to capture the play on camera, and a protective little voice rang out: "Don't take pictures of the girls – no please ask first,” a young boy said.
‘They matter’
Shapwanale's compassion extends especially to children living with disabilities and those from less fortunate households. “These kids are not just faces in a queue; they are hearts, dreams and futures. They matter,” she said.
Parents and children alike lined up not only for food but for a sense of dignity and care. “If we stand together as a community, we will be able to bring it to an end,” Shapwanale reflected. “Not the end-end,” she quickly added with a smile, “but just a change in Okahandja.”
Her vision is to make the soup drive a twice-yearly tradition – or more, if possible.
“They came for soup,” Shapwanale said, “but what they left with was a reminder that someone cares. And that makes all the difference.”
Paulina Shapwanale, a resident of Okahandja, found herself experiencing a whirlwind of emotions as child after child lined up for what, for many, was their only warm meal that day.
"Why must our little ones suffer so much in a small town like Okahandja?” she asked, holding back tears while ladling soup into yet another bowl.
With the help of a N$5 000 sponsorship from Betzilla Namibia, clothing donations from friends, food combos, and even a box of sponsored scarves from a group of concerned citizens, Shapwanale turned a simple idea into a powerful moment of unity.
Her friends volunteered their cars to transport soup pots. It was not just a soup kitchen drive; it was a full-blown movement wrapped in steam, smiles and solidarity.
While waiting for their food, children played soccer, exchanged stories and laughed like only kids can, full of joy despite their circumstances. A particularly touching moment arose when a resident decided to capture the play on camera, and a protective little voice rang out: "Don't take pictures of the girls – no please ask first,” a young boy said.
‘They matter’
Shapwanale's compassion extends especially to children living with disabilities and those from less fortunate households. “These kids are not just faces in a queue; they are hearts, dreams and futures. They matter,” she said.
Parents and children alike lined up not only for food but for a sense of dignity and care. “If we stand together as a community, we will be able to bring it to an end,” Shapwanale reflected. “Not the end-end,” she quickly added with a smile, “but just a change in Okahandja.”
Her vision is to make the soup drive a twice-yearly tradition – or more, if possible.
“They came for soup,” Shapwanale said, “but what they left with was a reminder that someone cares. And that makes all the difference.”
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article