Big pledge for Project #BeFree
The Capricorn Foundation pledged N$500 000 towards the Project #BeFree Centre of Excellence at the One Economy Fundraiser Gala Dinner last week, which was hosted under the theme “We are One”.“The Capricorn Foundation commits to partner with like-minded organisations like the One Economy Foundation to address issues faced within our communities and to find sustainable solutions,” said Marlize Horn, Executive Officer of the Capricorn Foundation.
“Our pledge is earmarked towards the Project #BeFree Centre of Excellence educational area. This support crosscuts two of our focus areas: education and health. We believe this is a start of a long-term partnership between the Capricorn Foundation and the One Economy Foundation,” she said.
Project #BeFree was born after engaging over 150 000 young people from across the country, SADC, Switzerland, the United States and the Netherlands, with frank, non-judgmental dialogue and thematic conversations on complex social issues through #BeFree engagements.
A pressing need exists for an integrated protection system with adequate capacity and resources to prevent harm and respond to the needs of young people in a coordinated manner.
The centre for Project #BeFree will be a physical manifestation of the #BeFree engagements’ key learnings, to provide a safe space for the youth. Young people and their parents will have access to professional services including psychological support, legal and criminal justice system guidance, the full spectrum of sexual reproductive health services, skills development, adolescent-friendly entertainment, and other critical services.
Speaking at the event, first lady Monica Geingos said that: “We believe that all it takes is One. Through One Vision, One Hope and One Dream, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our beneficiaries. This is us. This is One. Our collective dream is not only for the centre but for the country. This is why long-term relationships are essential. We need the private sector funding to sustain the foundation through forming partnerships that serve the youth.”