Soup kitchen offers a ray of hope

Bertha Uiras and her husband, Bethuel, are making a significant impact in their community through their Sunday soup kitchen, despite their own scarce resources.The initiative is aimed at helping vulnerable members of the community, especially young children and youth, in the Damara location community in Katutura.Every Sunday, Uiras and her husband, who works at a car rental company, stretch their already thin resources to provide meals for children and elderly individuals in need. What began as a small initiative to feed the most vulnerable has grown into something far bigger: a ray of hope for people caught in vicious cycles of addiction and poverty.“Our late president Hage Geingob said that no one should be left out, and that is why I try to do what I can, even though I do not have much myself,” Uiras explained.New programmes In addition to the soup kitchen, Uiras has launched other initiatives aimed at improving the community."We invite girls and boys who have dropped out of school, who are homeless, or unemployed, especially those who have fallen into drug and alcohol abuse," she explained. "We’re particularly focused on helping girls who stand on Shanghai Street at night, showing them there’s a better future through soccer and support."The soccer programme, which Uiras proudly says has begun to show the first signs of success, provides young people with an alternative outlet and structure in their lives.Those taking part in the soccer practice programme, often start their mornings by visiting the soup kitchen for a meal and tea.The challenges remain immense, however. As an unemployed mother, Uiras and her husband often struggle to keep the soup kitchen and the soccer programme running. “There are times when we run out of food and are unable to cater to the elderly and vulnerable in our community,” she said, her concern evident.Support neededUiras has appealed to the community for support, requesting donations of food, clothing, toiletries and sponsorship for the vulnerable individuals she assists."A hungry person is an angry person," she warned, emphasising the importance of preventing crime by addressing the root causes like poverty and hunger."Your donations, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated."Despite her own financial struggles, Uiras remains committed to making a difference. She dreams of growing the programme and reaching even more children and youth in need. “We as a community, together, can make a difference in these girls&#039; lives,” she said. "May the Almighty God bless everyone who lends a helping hand."

Soup kitchen offers a ray of hope

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Soup kitchen offers a ray of hope

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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