RYF launches countrywide donation drive
In an attempt to address and arrest social challenges faced by in-school and out-of-school youth in Namibia, the Rob Youth Foundation (RYF) in partnership with the Ministry of Education recently launched a nationwide sanitary pad, toiletry, and food donation drive at the Dagbreek Resource School.At the launch, the foundation donated sanitary pads, toiletries and food hampers to 140 learners at Dagbreek as part of the drive that will now be rolled out countrywide.
Speaking at the event, Windhoek East constituency councillor Brian Black said: “In life, we must be long-term thinkers who strive to invest in and build people, particularly the children who are the future - the leaders of tomorrow.
“Today is all about you, because you are the future, and we are here this morning to celebrate another investment by a long-term thinker because that’s what our esteemed donor and his board decided.”
In his remarks, RYF’s Robert Maseka said that it is through the Ministry of Education that they are able to identify schools that are in need of assistance and to fulfil some of their core mandates.
“The Rob Youth Foundation was established in 2019 with the aim to address and arrest social challenges faced by in-school and out-of-school youth. We have recognized that there are a multitude of social ills that require urgent attention not only from the government but all stakeholders in general.”
He said that by taking hands with government, civil society organisations, the corporate world, and various other well-wishers and partners, “we believe that we are in a unique position to harness this society’s potential. It is our wish to be able to nurture a progressive, gender-neutral and suitable society. Education is a key element in empowering our citizens at the household level. We all know that a good household has the capability of shaping a well-knit community, which also translates into a conducive society and ultimately a better nation in general.”
School principal Paul du Plessis said Dagbreek is thankful for the support from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. “We are thankful to Ms Sanet Steenkamp’s office for sending Mr Robert and his team to hand over the donation to our school.”
He emphasized his commitment to his learner’s needs and thank the parents for their continued commitment.
In the next few weeks, the RYF in partnership with the Ministry of Education will roll out the donation drive to the 14 regions of Namibia, with schools with learners with disabilities being the first beneficiaries.