Soup for the soul
What was planned as a small soup drive for 250 children turned into a moving moment on July 5th. Over 800 children came to the Samaritan Network Church in Okahandja, and not a single one went home hungry.Organiser Paulina Shapwanale fought back tears as she distributed soup. "Why do our little ones have to suffer so much in a town like Okahandja?"
With N$5 000 from Betzilla Namibia, donations in kind, and volunteer help, the drive became a true community experience. Friends transported soup, clothing, and water in private cars.
While they waited, the children played soccer and laughed. When a resident wanted to take a photo, a boy shouted, "Please don't take photos of the girls. No, ask first."
Shapwanale is particularly committed to helping children with disabilities and those from poor households. "They're not just faces in a queue. They're hearts, dreams, and futures," she said.
Her goal is to repeat the event regularly in the future. "They came for the soup," Shapwanale said, "but left feeling like someone cares. And that makes all the difference."