A heart-warming luncheon and gift-giving ceremony was part of an event held for the senior citizens to appreciate their love, care, support, upbringing, and guidance to children, families, and society at large.

This gesture served as part of an annual initiative led by local businesswoman Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun, who continues to honour and celebrate the elderly through this special gathering held at their homestead annually at Olunghono in the Ohangwena region.

The senior citizens' thanksgiving and coming-together event held by Namundjebo-Tilahun on an annual basis is a legacy left by her late father, Eliakim Namundjebo, whose values of respect, unity, and community service continue to inspire the family.

Over the years, the annual event has grown bigger and better, now hosting elderly people not only from the Ohangwena region but from across Namibia and neighbouring Angola.

The aim of the initiative is to recognise and appreciate senior citizens for their unique wisdom and charisma, as well as their role in mentoring children into responsible adults and moulding them into future leaders who contribute positively to the development of any nation.

Namunjebo-Tilahun says, "I am humbled and honoured to welcome you to the 9th annual elders' Christmas lunch, a celebration that is truly dear to my heart, a day where we have the most opportunity to celebrate and embrace the festive season with gratitude and joy in the warmth of our village surrounded by the richness of tradition."

The elderly were treated to lunch and received food parcels and various gifts to take home, leaving them overjoyed and deeply appreciative.

"We value the gifts given to us. I was given this material, and I am grateful. 'May God bless where you have taken it, and may God open doors for those in need,' expressed a grateful elderly citizen, Dermina Nghivelwa.

"I am speechless. We were called from different ethnic groups to unite. This is a learning lesson to take home, and we should emulate this good example set by Martha to call our neighbours and people from our villages to celebrate together and have fun," says Mukwashivela Wahashiyana.