Soup kitchen brings hope
Despite her own financial challenges, Bertha remains committed to making a difference.
Despite their own resources which may be scarce at times, Bertha Uirab and her husband Bethuel, who works at a car rental company, help to make a difference with their Sunday soup kitchen.This initiative aims to help vulnerable members of the community, especially young children and the youth, in Katutura's Damara informal settlement in Windhoek.
Every Sunday, this couple provides meals to children and senior citizens in need. What started as a small initiative turned into something much bigger: A little hope for those trapped in addiction and poverty.
"Our late president Hage Geingob said that no one should be left behind and that's why I try to do what I can, even though I don't have much myself," Bertha explained.
Apart from the soup kitchen, Bertha has also launched several initiatives with the hope of improving her community.
"We invite girls and boys who have left school, are homeless or unemployed, especially those who have fallen into drug and alcohol abuse," she says. "We are specifically focused on helping girls who stand on the streets of Shanghai at night to show them that there is a better future through football and support."
The football programme, which according to Bertha has already shown the first signs of success, gives young people an alternative structure in their lives. Those who participate in this programme often start their mornings by visiting the soup kitchen for a meal and tea.
However, the challenges remain enormous.
As an unemployed mother, Bertha struggles to keep the soup kitchen and soccer programme going.
"There are times when we run out of food and we cannot take care of the elderly and vulnerable in our community," she said.
In light of this, Bertha asks the community for support with donations of food, clothes, toiletries and sponsors for the vulnerable people she cares for.
"A hungry person is an angry person," she said, adding that the focus must be on crime prevention by tackling the core issues such as hunger and poverty.
"Your donations, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated."
Despite her own financial challenges, Bertha remains committed to making a difference. She dreams of growing the programme and helping more children in need.
"We as a community can together make a difference in these girls' lives," she said. "May the Lord bless everyone who lends a helping hand." - [email protected]