More than 50 pairs of school shoes, sanitary towels and deodorant were handed over to the Office of the Erongo Governor as part of a community empowerment drive by the 4x4 Initiative Foundation in Swakopmund.

The handover forms part of the foundation's long-running 'One Means a 1000' project, now in its ninth year, aimed at supporting vulnerable children, especially in rural communities.

The founder of the 4x4 initiative, Sidney Boois, said that while one action may not change the world, acts of kindness and collective effort can transform lives.

He stressed that, despite the introduction of free education, communities still have a responsibility to care for needy children.

Boois also raised concerns he observed during school visits, including late arrivals, vaping, safety challenges, and poor learning outcomes.

He called for stronger partnerships between government, communities, churches and the private sector to support education, feeding schemes and after-school programmes.

Also speaking at the event was the Mayor of Swakopmund, Suamma Kautondokwa.

The donated items will be distributed through the governor's office.