Africazine:
The Capricorn Foundation is taking significant steps to combat child malnutrition in Namibia’s Omaheke region.
The Foundation has extended its partnership with Genesis Namibia, investing over one million dollars to support 1,000 vulnerable children through the Genesis Nutrition Programme. This brings the total investment in the programme since 2024 to N,244,000, addressing rising hunger exacerbated by drought.
Capricorn Foundation’s Commitment to Child Nutrition
The Capricorn Foundation’s renewed commitment focuses on sustainable social impact. The Genesis Nutrition Programme aims to alleviate hunger and poverty, particularly in the severely affected Omaheke region. The initiative, launched in 2024, initially supported 700 children and has now expanded to benefit 3,000 children, providing over 340,000 meals.
Foundation Head Veripura Muukua emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful impact. Regular visits to soup kitchens ensure that children’s growth and development are meticulously documented, highlighting the project’s effectiveness.
Metrics Section: Namibia: Key figures on child malnutrition
- Investment of over one million dollars
- Total investment in the programme since 2024: N,244,000
- Support for 1,000 vulnerable children
- Initially benefited 700 children
- Expanded to support 3,000 children
- Provided more than 340,000 Genesis meals
Community-Led Initiatives for Sustainable Solutions
The programme has evolved beyond meal provision to include community gardening initiatives that began in 2025. These initiatives aim to enhance long-term food security by integrating horticulture at the community level. Local volunteers play a crucial role in cultivating crops and supporting soup kitchens, fostering self-sustaining communities.
Genesis Namibia Managing Director Riaan van Zyl highlighted that the programme not only benefits children but also extends nutritional support to vulnerable groups, including HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer patients, as well as pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Future Steps for the Genesis Nutrition Programme
- Continue expanding community gardening initiatives
- Assess children’s growth and development regularly
- Enhance collaboration with local volunteers
Addressing child malnutrition in Namibia requires collaborative and sustainable efforts.
