Windhoek, the capital and largest city of Namibia, has overflowed with urban migration into squatter camps to the north of the city, in Okahandja Park, Kilimanjaro, Babilon and Okuruyangava. In these informal settlements the provision of basic services, including water and sanitation, is almost non-existent. Since many of the people living in these areas are unemployed, they seek refuge in alcohol, drug abuse and crime, and children growing up in such an environment suffer under these circumstances.
In 2004, Patricia Sola founded Hope Initiatives SA Namibia and since then hundreds of children and disadvantaged families who are struggling with poverty, and a lack of food and schooling have received assistance thanks to the community based intervention programmes HISA carries out in the fields of health and nutrition, child care, education and social work.
The garden is located near the township of Windhoek, Okahandja Park A, in Tobias Hainyeko Constituency. It measures 270m2 and is cultivated with chomolier (a leafy green vegetable that is prepared like cabbage), carrots, and onions. Julia Muyunda, a teacher at the school, is in charge of the school garden aided by the students in the gardening activities. The school is attended by 3,000 pupils, among whom 250 are orphans and vulnerable children.
The produce from the garden is given to the school kitchen, where they provide meals to the children who are malnourished.
Area
Okahandja Park, Windhoek, Khomas region
Coordinator
John Mafukidze