In a rare gesture, former Swakopmund mayor Dina Namubes has donated her access to her guesthouse and sewing machines to offer free dressmaking training to women and girls.

The initiative aims to empower the community.

African View Guesthouse at Mondesa, Swakopmund, has become one of the venues to offer free opportunities to women and girls.

The owner, Dina Namubes, has donated four sewing machines, a venue and free training after a community member, Bulani Witbooi, made the proposal.

Namubes said she was just a mother with hopes and fears for her children, just like many community members, before she became a mayor and councillor.

She noted that Namibians like Michelle McLean, who, through charity, built a school, have inspired her to serve the community with a purpose.

"It was only recently, during a call from a female community leader in DRC. She asked if I could be added to a WhatsApp group aimed at addressing pressing issues, including the fight against crime, especially after the tragic loss of innocent girls in Okahandja. That moment brought tears to my eyes. In those few seconds, a vision was born, a vision to use my resources to uplift and inspire."

The Independent Patriots for Change Secretary General, Christine !Aochamus, commended Namubes and revealed that she is a product of similar initiatives.

"It takes a village to raise a child, and until we go back to those foundational principles – that of community, that of caring for one another, and that of looking out for one another – we will continue to have trouble in our communities. I'm extremely inspired that the community of Swakopmund has decided that they are going to take their community back."

The Lions Club Swakopmund further supported the project by donating five laptops.

Although the initiative is mainly targeting females, men and boys were also encouraged to visit the centre for dress-making training.