Volunteers make a visible difference in Lüderitz
A Lüderitz resident has mobilised a group of volunteers to conduct regular clean-up campaigns in the suburb where she resides.
“The Lord entrusted the earth to us and it is our duty as Christians to protect, care for and cherish it,” Yvonne Albertse explained.
When she moved to the Amiss residence (where she grew up) in Nautilus, she was bothered by the condition of a small community park nearby.
“I reached out to the ladies from the St. Peter's Soup Kitchen to help me with the first clean-up exercise, and they responded positively,” she said.
The group decided on a day and moved in armed with rakes, spades and wheelbarrows. “We raked the whole area, collected and removed the rubbish. The area is however very rocky. Unfortunately, we cannot remove the heaps of rocks and have called on the municipality to assist us in this regard.”
‘Our town needs us’
The playground is situated in the centre of the Nautilus neighbourhood, and by cleaning it, the group managed to enhance the environment for everybody.
“The idea is to do this regularly. We tend to focus on the town areas and forget about our suburbs. Belinda Jantjies, a teacher, recently planted plants at Aeroplane Bay, and we are thankful for that,” Albertse added.
During the clean-up, she organised meals for those who participated.
“Our town needs us. One cannot say you are a 'Buchter' and not show respect for the place where you were born.”
Lüderitz mayor Phill Balhao expressed his heartfelt gratitude and admiration for their efforts.
“It is inspiring to witness individuals and families coming together, volunteering their time and energy to ensure that our streets, parks and public spaces reflect the charm and vibrancy of our beloved town," he said.
He said such initiatives not only contribute to a healthier environment but also set a powerful example for future generations. "I encourage everyone to join in these efforts, whether by participating in future clean-ups or simply by being mindful of our waste and keeping our neighbourhoods tidy."
Contribute to the community
Alberts underscored that when she was growing up, they did not have playgrounds. “We played games in the streets, climbed the mountains in the area or visited the ocean. This is why we must constantly remind the children to appreciate the facility that was put up for their enjoyment.”
She extended an invitation to residents with time on their hands to lend a hand once a month for approximately four hours a day in order to create and contribute to a cleaner environment throughout the entire suburb. “The advantages are that one feels positive about a good deed done. You also get some exercise and can enjoy a chat and a laugh at the same time.”
Alberts worked for Erongo Red and returned to Lüderitz in 2014 and opened Lighthouse Cafe, a tuck shop in the Agatha Park neighbourhood. It was here that she realised voluntary work could be fulfilling. “I started to motivate children from the neighbourhood by rewarding them with N$10 for every A symbol scored in their final exams. It was a costly but very rewarding exercise.”
“The Lord entrusted the earth to us and it is our duty as Christians to protect, care for and cherish it,” Yvonne Albertse explained.
When she moved to the Amiss residence (where she grew up) in Nautilus, she was bothered by the condition of a small community park nearby.
“I reached out to the ladies from the St. Peter's Soup Kitchen to help me with the first clean-up exercise, and they responded positively,” she said.
The group decided on a day and moved in armed with rakes, spades and wheelbarrows. “We raked the whole area, collected and removed the rubbish. The area is however very rocky. Unfortunately, we cannot remove the heaps of rocks and have called on the municipality to assist us in this regard.”
‘Our town needs us’
The playground is situated in the centre of the Nautilus neighbourhood, and by cleaning it, the group managed to enhance the environment for everybody.
“The idea is to do this regularly. We tend to focus on the town areas and forget about our suburbs. Belinda Jantjies, a teacher, recently planted plants at Aeroplane Bay, and we are thankful for that,” Albertse added.
During the clean-up, she organised meals for those who participated.
“Our town needs us. One cannot say you are a 'Buchter' and not show respect for the place where you were born.”
Lüderitz mayor Phill Balhao expressed his heartfelt gratitude and admiration for their efforts.
“It is inspiring to witness individuals and families coming together, volunteering their time and energy to ensure that our streets, parks and public spaces reflect the charm and vibrancy of our beloved town," he said.
He said such initiatives not only contribute to a healthier environment but also set a powerful example for future generations. "I encourage everyone to join in these efforts, whether by participating in future clean-ups or simply by being mindful of our waste and keeping our neighbourhoods tidy."
Contribute to the community
Alberts underscored that when she was growing up, they did not have playgrounds. “We played games in the streets, climbed the mountains in the area or visited the ocean. This is why we must constantly remind the children to appreciate the facility that was put up for their enjoyment.”
She extended an invitation to residents with time on their hands to lend a hand once a month for approximately four hours a day in order to create and contribute to a cleaner environment throughout the entire suburb. “The advantages are that one feels positive about a good deed done. You also get some exercise and can enjoy a chat and a laugh at the same time.”
Alberts worked for Erongo Red and returned to Lüderitz in 2014 and opened Lighthouse Cafe, a tuck shop in the Agatha Park neighbourhood. It was here that she realised voluntary work could be fulfilling. “I started to motivate children from the neighbourhood by rewarding them with N$10 for every A symbol scored in their final exams. It was a costly but very rewarding exercise.”
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