To help boost learning outcomes for vulnerable school-going children, Hangala Foods has donated bags of maize meal to two school feeding programmes at Otavi.

The donations aim to alleviate short-term hunger, enhance nutritional status, and enhance learner attendance, particularly for those from food-insecure households.

Otavi Municipality and Hangala Foods partnered to donate assistance to learners at Otavi and Shalom Primary Schools.

The 100 bags of maize meal are expected to benefit 2,319 learners.

Receiving the donation, Otavi Mayor Laina Kondjila said, "The provision of food to our learners is not only a gesture of goodwill; it is an investment in the future of our children and our nation. Proper nutrition plays a critical role in learning, concentration, and overall development. When our children are well nourished, they are better able to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. This partnership between Hangala Foods and the Otavi Town Council demonstrates the power of collaboration between the private sector and local government."

Hangala Foods representative Aili Shikale said the donation forms part of the company's corporate social responsibility at Otavi, where they operate the Ombanje Milling Plant.

"We firmly believe that proper nutrition is essential for children to learn, concentrate, and grow. As a company operating within this community, we see it as our responsibility to give back in a meaningful way, especially when it comes to the well-being of our learners. We would also like to call upon the Otavi community to support Hangala Foods. Our business is part of Otavi, we proudly share the same name, and we are deeply rooted here."

Otavi Primary School Principal Tjopi Tjituera thanked the donors. "It is not just about the donation of the food items, but it is about planting hope in the little ones we have here in front of us. On behalf of the two primary schools in Otavi, we want to thank Hangala Foods for choosing us. We are honoured to receive this donation for our feeding programmes. We believe that the food is more than a meal; it is the strength for the child to learn, and it is the energy for the family to keep on going. It is the hope for a better tomorrow."