A soup kitchen on the outskirts of Swakopmund in the DRC informal settlement is pleading with good Samaritans to assist in building a dining hall as more than 300 children have to endure all types of weather conditions when collecting their meals from an open area.

60-year-old Anna Karises is the founder of Ann's Angel's soup kitchen.

The soup kitchen is a lifeline for many families in the community, and it provides much-needed nutrition to 300 underprivileged children twice a week.

The DRC informal settlement where these children grow up has no electricity, and water has to be fetched from community taps.

Gas has also become expensive, leaving them to cook on an open fire.

"I need help with the soup kitchen to help me build a new one; I also need paint for it; and I need a place where the kids can sit and enjoy their meals. I need people to help me with building materials to construct a new structure. In addition, if anyone can also help me with old clothes, blankets, or other things they don't need, these children are really in need," said Karises.

Karises emphasises the importance of education and the benefits derived from reducing poverty.

Swakopmund Mayor Dina Namubes, during her visit to the soup kitchen, was impressed by Kariseb's work and her dedication to the community.

Namubes encouraged concerned citizens to meet the soup kitchen halfway in providing food and support to those in need.