Allexer Namundjebo
A two-year emergency food support programme aimed at addressing food insecurity among vulnerable households was launched last week at Ondera Farm in the Oshikoto region.
The programme is implemented through a partnership between the government, Chevron and the non-profit organisation Palms for Life Fund.
The launch ceremony took place on Friday and was officiated by the governor of Oshikoto, Sacky Kathindi, on behalf of vice president Lucia Witbooi.
Regional and traditional leaders and community members attended the event.
The programme will provide nutritious food assistance to about 3 150 households, including highly vulnerable individuals, pregnant and breastfeeding women and other underserved groups.
Organisers estimate that about 15 750 people will benefit each year through shared household consumption.
Kathindi said the programme shows the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors in addressing social challenges.
“We commend Chevron and Palms for Life for demonstrating that public-private partnerships are indispensable to national progress and to our shared journey to deliver social support aligned with national priorities to communities in need,” he said.
The programme builds on a soft rollout that started in September last year.
Organisers said the initiative will use feeding infrastructure from eight early childhood development centres established by Palms for Life in partnership with the government.
The use of existing community facilities is expected to support the programme and strengthen local support systems.
The programme also includes household gardening initiatives and parental training to improve nutrition practices and promote food security at the household level.
The lead Chevron’s exploration activities in Namibia, Beatrice Bienvenu said, reflect Chevron’s approach to community engagement.
“This programme reflects Chevron’s commitment to supporting the communities where we operate through strong public-private partnerships and ensuring our focus on doing things right, what we call the Chevron Way, is reflected in everything we do,” she said.
“Our aim is not only to respond to immediate needs but also to work in close partnership with governments, nonprofits and communities to create lasting impact,” Bienvenu added.
Chevron national coordinator Kingston Makoni said the programme forms part of wider efforts to support vulnerable communities.
“Through close collaboration with government, Chevron and community partners, we are helping strengthen food security and protect the well-being of families,” Makoni said.
Caption
Officials and partners launch a two-year emergency food support programme at Ondera Farm in the Oshikoto Region.
- Photo: Contributed
