The Africa Hope Development Foundation has donated food and clothing items worth N$35,000 to vulnerable households in Chotto Extension 8 at Katima Mulilo.

The donation follows a community survey conducted by the non-governmental organisation, which identified residents facing difficult living conditions, including a lack of safe water, toilets and electricity.

Director of the Africa Hope Development Foundation, Shamiso Machiwana, says the donation is not just about providing immediate relief but also about building a lasting relationship with the community to promote self-reliance.

"Today, we are not just handing out foodstuffs; we are not just handing out clothing to assist with this. But we are starting an ongoing relationship with them so that we can  help eradicate that poverty mindset and dependency mindsets that are crippling Africa."

For residents Namezi Muhau and Charles Ndubano, the donation brings relief to households struggling to meet their basic needs.

"We are grateful to the people who came to assist us with food and clothing. We encourage them to continue with this good work because, as the Bible teaches us, the needs of people can be seen without them having to ask for help. Wherever help is needed, people should come forward and assist. Many others in this community, just like me, are really struggling."

"The people who visited us today have seen our living conditions and have come to assist us, especially with the rainy season approaching. Some households have babies and elderly people who depend on them, and we are often affected by the rain because of our difficult living conditions."

Machiwana says the foundation, established in 2013, also runs skills-development programmes, including sewing and housekeeping, while helping community members prepare CVs and business proposals to pursue economic opportunities.