Grootfontein centre gets shot in the arm

A South African conglomerate, moved by a Namibian Sun story of a Grootfontein teacher who spends more than 50% of her monthly income to run an NGO, has donated N$20 000 to the organisation. The Victory Children Community Development Centre run by Elizabeth Petrus (38) provides afterschool meals to about 100 vulnerable children in the community. This week, the UMEH Group Limited made the donation following Namibian Sun's article last week. UMEH Group's founder and CEO Xolane Ndhlovu indicated he was moved by the story and decided to support the centre with the N$20 000 donation. Ndhlovu also said that the story of the centre came at a time when they recently launched an education campaign focusing on education supplies to needy children across the African continent. “Mrs Petrus' story came amidst our recently launched educational campaign 'Fund Kids Like Success' which has sponsored and donated educational suppliers to disadvantaged children in Africa,” he said. “UMEH believes in giving back as a core value. UMEH and its leadership, through our contributions to the organisations and our foundations are committed to strengthening our communities by investing in job training and opportunity, access to education, supporting the arts and culture, and protecting our health and environment.”Ndhlovu also implored the business community to give back to the communities in which they operate.“Giving back to the community gives you a pleasant feeling of connectedness and the satisfaction of at least trying to make the world a better place,” he said.“I encourage businesses and entrepreneurs alike to support organisations like Victory Children Community Development Centre who through its founders has demonstrated their enthusiasm in making the world a better place.” GratefulMeanwhile, Petrus could not contain her joy when she received the donation, saying it was a pleasant surprise, which will go a long way in making the centre a better place.“I am very grateful to the UMEH Group for funding the Victory Children Community Development Centre. It is really of great help to the organisation as I did not expect such kind of money. We are going to use it in such a way that it will be of great benefit to sustain the organisation,” Petrus said.Petrus indicated that the feeding programme was the initial idea of the NGO, however, she realised that in order to grow the centre it needs few more departments.She indicated that part of the money will be used to acquire computers and other equipment and turn the house, which she is currently renting, into a fully fledge community development centre.She explained that some of the children fed at the centre lack basic computer skills and they need access to a library.“My vision is to upgrade the centre and make sure children come here and learn computer skills. It is no secret that most of these children are from homes where parenting is lacking and therefore I want to set up a library here for the children to come do their homework,” she said.

Grootfontein centre gets shot in the arm

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-14

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Grootfontein centre gets shot in the arm

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-14

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