Healing the world to make it a better place
Making a difference
Catering to children from as young as 2 months to 23 years, this foundation strives to assist them when in need.
The Havana Charity Work Foundation was established in 2020 by Penomwene Nekwaya, along with director and secretary, Laimi Katengele. Together they feed more than 300 youngsters every Saturday while providing much-needed support to vulnerable members of the community.“The organisation was established in 2020. We began by bringing in mostly pregnant teenagers and toddlers who could not live with their parents. We don’t only feed kids, we also educate them, while going out to recruit donations.”
Another one of their projects is Keep a Girl in School, through which they campaign for pad donations, which are then handed to learners in the Moses Garoëb constituency, Laimi says.
“We also often have one-on-one sessions with youngsters from various backgrounds and circumstances, who often go through difficult situations and they need a talk.”
There are also many fun activities, including drawing, and individuals often come to the charity for their birthday celebrations. “We make sure they get a gift and some snacks, the ladies say.
Havana Charity is an NGO so it depends solely on donors. “We go out and seek donors to help the children, especially when it comes to food. Being someone who grew up here, I noticed some kids don't go to school due to a lack of money, food, and documents,” Penomwene says.
It is especially for these youngsters that they have classes every Saturday, where they are helped to read write and do maths.
Their latest project is a backyard garden, which has come in very handy because “sometimes there is no food, so we have started planting our own produce. Spinach, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, tomatoes and such. At the same time, we can educate them on how to manage a garden.”
Havana Charity works with children from 2 months to 23 years. “The bigger girls help us with cooking and gardening, so we are glad for their help. Without them, we won't get far.”
They add that there are also several volunteers who offer their assistance.
“Being part of a charity is therapeutic. You can be going through something, but you realise someone needs you and this motivates you,” Penomwene says.
“Most of our volunteers are the youth, and this also inspires me - especially when I want to give up. It keeps me going. And it's lovely to see there are people out there who are still willing to help.
The organisation is situated in Havana Rural adjacent to the new location; there is no electricity and water is only available from far away, thus they use firewood to cook – if there is any available.
“Together we can do better. When we take hands and make the world a better place, Penomwene concludes.
For more information contact 081 831 0456 or visit their Facebook page at Charity havanah