The Capricorn Foundation invested nearly N$1.5 million in the past three months to address vulnerability in Namibia, making a significant impact in the fight against poverty and malnutrition.
The Foundation, funded by Capricorn Group’s subsidiaries Bank Windhoek, Capricorn Asset Management and Entrepo, said its support to vulnerability initiatives addresses the basic needs of vulnerable groups, focusing on children and gender-based violence victim counselling.
“As a connector of positive change, the Capricorn Foundation is proud of its track record since it was launched in 2020 to bring about positive change through a portfolio of more than 40 projects and programmes across Namibia that continue to benefit from the Foundation’s support,” Capricorn Foundation Executive Officer Marlize Horn said.
Horn said 18% of Namibia’s population lives below the poverty line, and almost a quarter of children in Namibia have stunted growth due to malnutrition hence the need for support.
In addition, she said the Capricorn Foundation partnered with the Nutrition and Food Security Alliance of Namibia (NAFSAN) on two initiatives to advance food security and nutrition and address malnutrition through an allocation of N$511,000.
“The first initiative is on Nutrition for Health – Embracing our Namibian Food Systems, which includes a comprehensive training manual and materials to cover 60 community-based trainings,” she said.
“The second one is Malnutrition Support in Omaheke Region, aiming to save 300 severely malnourished children in the region through treatment and follow-up support, utilising a combination of Ready-To-Use-Therapeutic-Food (RUTF) and nutrient-rich High Protein Meals.”
In addition, she said Imago Dei is an implementing partner of the Capricorn Foundation and manages over 15 projects targeting vulnerable communities.
The Foundation committed N$400,000 to Imago Dei to acquire a 4×2 Isuzu D-Max, to reach beneficiaries in communities and informal settlements in the outskirts of Windhoek and other regions, addressing basic needs, education and training; job creation and psychosocial intervention.
Other listed beneficiaries include the Centre for Strategic Community Innovation, a voluntary association within the Okakarara Constituency, which received N$40,000 to purchase garden tools and hybrid seeds.
Further assistance was extended to the Response Action-Based Organisation (RABO) to which the Foundation reaffirmed its commitment by donating N$300,000 towards food supplies, fuel, and other project-related costs.
Horn said the Foundation’s first support for the project was in 2022 when it donated a vehicle.
“RABO was born out of the need within the community of Windhoek and its surrounding areas to provide speedy and effective intervention when incidences of domestic violence, suicidal cases and child abuse/neglect occur by acting as a first responder service, to support with first aid and transporting the victims to hospitals, police stations or the nearest social worker for further handling of the cases,” she said.
HappyLand Kindergarten and Safe Haven, established in 2005 as a sanctuary providing housing, nutrition, and education to disadvantaged children aged one month to 18 years, also benefitted with N$50,000 to cater for 31 vulnerable kids living at an orphanage in Henties Bay.
The foundation allocated N$187,000 for the renovation of the Hope Village baby house, which accommodates 14 infants. This will ensure that the Village meets the Ministry of Health and Social Services standards.
