Survival course for kids teaches crucial life skills for little ones

The Desert KidZ Care Foundation Namibia was founded in 2015 as NAMKID and officially registered in 2023, built on what director Jasmine Rose Goagoses describes as a lifelong calling, namely, “helping others has always felt like it was in my blood.”From its home base in Khomasdal, the foundation runs the national Kiddies Survival Course, a life skills workshop teaching vulnerable children how to recognise danger, make responsible decisions and understand that every choice carries consequences. “We are addressing the lack of critical thinking and decision-making in children,” Goagoses explains. “By empowering them to think for themselves, we help them navigate life safely and confidently.”Since launching the programme, the team has reached children in Swakopmund, Rundu, Karasburg, Ruacana and Katima Mulilo.Now it is hosting its thirteenth workshop right here in Windhoek. The German community has played a significant role, with supporter Felina Seuffert raising funds online and connecting the foundation to the Emmauskirche Heisterbacherrott congregation, which donated 800 euros.Beyond life skills training, the foundation’s work spans a decade of service, including hospital toy drives, homelessness support, winter drives, the Summer Charity Drive, the Desert Race fundraiser and large-scale feeding programmes once backed by late President Dr Hage Geingob.Break the silence Goagoses says the mission is simple yet urgent: “Our mission is to create strong communities and build resilient family units.” She stresses the reality facing children today. “Our society is dark right now. People are focused on themselves and forgetting the community. In that silence, things like child trafficking are taking place.”Funding remains the organisation’s greatest obstacle. “Our biggest challenge is consistent funding,” she says. Donations currently cover logistics, meals, transport, teaching materials and hygiene hampers for each child. The foundation’s most reliable partner, Vivo Energy Namibia, provides fuel for every Kiddies Survival Course. Still, Goagoses emphasises that resources alone are not enough: “What we need most right now are strong partnerships.”Igniting hope and lightDespite the challenges, the heart of Desert KidZ lies in small, life-changing moments. “The heart is in the moments when someone smiles because they feel seen and cared for,” Goagoses says. “Gratitude gives people hope, strength and a reason to hold on.”Her motivation is rooted in lived experience. “I know what suffering feels like. I know hunger, pain, rejection and hopelessness. And I also know what it feels like to receive help. When someone is in pain, they need light.”Looking ahead, Desert KidZ aims to build youth rehabilitation programmes, affordable housing solutions, community shelters and a permanent operational office. For Goagoses, the responsibility is shared by all. “If we want to live in a good society, we have to mend the holes ourselves,” she says. “If 1 000 people each help one person, the ripple effect will change everything.”The foundation invites Namibians to keep the chain of compassion alive. “Together we can make society brighter, safer and stronger, especially for the children who need us the most.”Contact Desert KidZ Care Foundation Namibia if you want to help or take part:Email: desertkidnamibia@gmail.com | Phone: 264 81 573 3651 | Facebook: Desert KidZ Care FoundationRESTORING HOPE

Survival course for kids teaches crucial life skills for little ones

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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Survival course for kids teaches crucial life skills for little ones

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-16

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