The Office of the Erongo Governor, in partnership with Erongo Marine Enterprise, has donated food supplies to early childhood development centres in the region.

Selected centres in the Daures, Karibib, Walvis Bay Rural and Urban constituencies will benefit from the 20,000 meal packs that were raised to fight hunger.

The initiatives also support the Yahweh Down Syndrome Foundation (YDSF), which promotes inclusive learning for children with and without special needs.

The donation consists of 900 kilogrammes of frozen horse mackerel and hake, 600 tins of canned fish, and 1,800 meal packs, enough for up to six servings.

Erongo Governor Dr Nathalia |Goagoses said investing in children's nutrition is essential for their health, growth, and learning.

"So this donation reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food. This is particularly important to young children, who grow in health and learning and depend on adequate nutrition."

Yahweh Down Syndrome Foundation (YDSF) was established in 2022, with its educational journey beginning in 2023. Yahweh's vision is to ensure that mainstream children and children with special needs can learn, play, and grow together, while also challenging perceptions of what children with disabilities can achieve.

The foundation's representative, Bonita Antoncich, said contributions such as food and stationery help create opportunities for children, build confidence, and encourage independence.

General Manager of Erongo Marine Enterprises, Clive Kambongarera, explained the gesture. "It's not just food that we are providing; we are also giving them dignity, so they do not have to beg for food in the streets. We empower the children with energy, enabling them to attend school and grow into leaders within their communities."

The initiative forms part of the World Food Day commemoration.