• Hands of Hope
    Foundation Namibia

Our meeting

The Covid-19 pandemic has had devastating economic consequences for many countries, including Namibia: many people have lost their income and are unable to afford even the most basic things such as rent and food for themselves and their families. Therefore, we wanted to help with food donations, and so our paths crossed with the team of the “Hands of Hope Foundation Namibia”. Since the beginning of the crisis, they have been working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the people. At that time and with a common goal in mind, they became an important and irreplaceable partner for us.

We were deeply impressed by the willingness and organizational talent of Niki and Sarel Carstens, the founders of Hands of Hope. Not only are they themselves constantly and tirelessly at the front, they have also built up a network with which they can operate throughout Namibia. Through our joint efforts in the Covid-19 crisis, we got to know their working methods and their team better, so that this has resulted in a long-term cooperation in which we can learn from and support each other.

The Philosophy

Heavy fates and encountering setbacks can hit everyone and in this case everyone deserves a helping hand that gets him back on his feet. Whether they are single mothers, older people who no longer have anyone, or people who are suffering from malnutrition, illnesses and disabilities, Hands of Hope has set itself the task of reaching out their helping hand to all of them, thereby giving hope and confidence in seemingly hopeless situations.

The implementation

Hands of Hope works with existing social institutions to identify and support the most affected families. They have their headquarter in Swakopmund’s neighbouring town Henties Bay, but they act in accordance with their philosophy throughout Namibia. In doing so, they implement various programmes that address individual problems and needs.

The main focus

The priorities of Hands of Hope Foundation Namibia are listed below. During the lockdown, the main focus had to be on food distribution and other programs had to be temporarily suspended.

Food relief
The aim of this programme is to fight hunger and malnutrition with food packs for families with no access to food, and also to support with food or materials for soup kitchens.

Trauma Counselling
Counsellors offer talks with traumatised people to help them improve their situation and to assist the people in getting the help needed. In this way they can coordinate care for further support in conjunction with the properly trained counsellors.

Shack fire victims relief
In case of a fire in a shack/house, quick relief with food, blankets and clothes is organised. Furthermore building materials for rebuilding a new home will be provided when possible.

ObdachlosenhilfeAssistance of homeless people
Homeless people in extreme situations get assistance in finding a home. Also the counselling aims to restore their dignity. This is a very difficult task as the costs for rent cannot be funded.

Medical Support
For people living with (chronic) diseases the team tries to organise access to medical care and medicine. In serious cases emergency support can be implemented.

Clothing distribution
For homeless people and families on rubbish dumps the organisation provides clothes. In winter blankets are distributed to keep the people warm.

Assistance of people with disabilities
As there are rarely any support programmes for people with disabilities in Namibia, the organisation offers training via disability training centres for family members and collects equipment donations such as wheelchairs.

Elderly Care
Elderly people are especially vulnerable in Namibia, as they depend on the support of their family. The team assists pensioners where needed.

Assistance of single mothers
Single mums will get assistance with food, trying to find work and/or generate income from home while looking after the kids. They will also get priority when time comes for the back to school times in helping with stationary and school uniforms.

Prevention and intervention in fighting addiction
The team helps people to cope with and fight addiction. This includes counselling and forwarding addicts to institutions.

 

Prevention of baby dumping
Getting a baby can put mothers in a big crisis and baby dumping is a problem in Namibia. The team tries to promote ways to get help and supplies new mothers with baby bags with the first equipment and try to keep them in food to promote breastfeeding and that the family can stay healthy.

Assistance for victims of woman and child abuse
The organisation is working hand in hand with state welfare and social workers to support victims of abuse with counselling and donations.

Prevention of school drop out
This programme aims to keep a child in school by motivating them to stay in programmes and complete their studies. It also includes a handbag project to keep matric girls in final exams.

School material assistance
For families that cannot afford school materials, stationary and uniform drives are offered. Furthermore the project “princess for a day” assists with matric farewells for poorer communities.

Crisis intervention
People in deep crisis can get help and find someone listening to them. Together with the counsellors hope for the future is built to strengthen the people in their current situation

Support of start-ups for job creation
Many people have the dream to start a business but lack finances. The organisation is helping small enterprises in start up their business, such as tuck shops, sewing or selling baked goods.

Donate now to Hands of Hope!

Wir haben das OPEN DOORS Education Centre (ODEC) in Namibia gebaut. Hier klicken für mehr Informationen.
We've built the OPEN DOORS Education Centre (ODEC) in Namibia. Click here for more information.