Allexer Namundjembo
A group of young people in Tsumkwe have joined a cleaning campaign in Tsumkwe in the Otjozondjupa Region and say the initiative is changing both their surroundings and their lives.
One of the participants, Erastus Kampasi Mukonda, said the project has made him more responsible.
“It took me off the streets and made me a responsible citizen. I now feel motivated to focus on positive things,” he said.
Another, Sophia Goreses, described the campaign as life-changing.
“Before, we used to roam around the streets, but now we are cleaning them. Tsumkwe looks much better, and we feel proud to have contributed,” she said.
For Rodney Cgaesje, planting trees during the campaign stood out.
“We have cleaned our environment and planted trees to create a better view for the settlement,” he said.
He added that the initiative has kept participants busy and called on companies to support their efforts.
Meanwhile, Joseph Maghambayi said the project has helped him support his family.
“I feel good because I can now provide some groceries for my family. In the past, I could not because I was always at home,” he said.
Another participant said the work has gone beyond cleaning. “We managed to clean the area and educate the community to live in a cleaner environment,” he said.
The campaign was launched on 4 April by Palms for Life Fund Namibia under the theme “Our Trash, Our Responsibility” and the slogan “Tsumkwe is Not a Trash Can.”
It aims to fight environmental degradation, youth unemployment, and substance abuse.
So far, 29 out-of-school youth have committed to staying alcohol-free during the project in exchange for monthly food vouchers.
Another 32 primary school learners will receive school materials to help improve retention.
The campaign also calls on residents, businesses, schools, and organisations to join the effort.
The initiative, according to Gabriel Thomas, a spokesperson for Palms for Life Fund Namibia, aims to keep the community active and maintain a clean environment.
“The project was launched in April and it is ongoing. The communities have responded positively to the initiative, and we intend to continue it,” Thomas told the Windhoek Observer.
