Allexer Namundjembo
The ministries of education, arts and culture and of gender equality and child welfare have received 2 500 bags of instant porridge to support early childhood development feeding in the Erongo Region.
The donation forms part of a N$29 million initiative funded by the European Union (EU), with technical support from the United Nations World Food Programme and implementation by local company WECCA Investments CC.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Swakopmund on Thursday, education minister Sanet Steenkamp said early childhood nutrition is essential for development and education.
“Nutrition is education, and no child must be left behind because of hunger,” said Steenkamp.
She said nearly one in three children under five in Namibia is stunted, and only 34% of four-year-olds are enrolled in pre-primary programmes.
She called these figures a national concern.
“A hungry child cannot concentrate. A malnourished child cannot grow or reach their full potential,” she said.
Steenkamp stressed that the early years are critical for physical and mental development and that timely interventions offer the greatest impact.
Minister of gender equality and child welfare Emma Kantema, who co-hosted the event, praised the cooperation between government, partners and the private sector.
“This initiative reflects the power of joint action. It’s not just a food drop—it’s an investment in our nation’s future,” said Kantema.
As part of its broader effort to fight child hunger and improve school retention, the education ministry has allocated over N$155 million for school feeding and more than N$853 million for hostel catering in the 2025/26 national budget.
“These are not just budget lines. They are investments in learner retention, dignity and equality,” said Steenkamp.
She said the porridge will be delivered efficiently and transparently.
“We remain committed to ensuring that every child, no matter where they are, has access to the nutrition they need to learn and thrive,” Steenkamp said.
Namibia has a long history of porridge distribution through the School Feeding Programme, launched in 1991.
That programme has supported hundreds of thousands of primary school learners with fortified maize porridge. In recent years, efforts have been made to expand coverage to early childhood centres.
The July 2025 handover in Erongo appears to be the first formal, large-scale donation of instant porridge to ECD centres in the region.
