Light for the Children

Researching how micro-organisms can improve nutrient absorption in aquaponic systems is the groundbreaking work of emerging microbiologist Paul Hamutenya. He is the son of one of the founders of Light for the Children Foundation and one of many lives deeply shaped by the organisation’s reach and vision.

In the carpentry workshop, wood shavings curl onto the floor as apprentices learn carpentry and, with it, new possibilities for their future. Outside, water drawn from deep beneath the Kalahari soil gurgles into irrigation channels, offering hope to hands that plant as they learn and learn as they plant. Visitors and volunteers stay in a tented camp beside the Black Nossob River, sometimes joining classes held in the lecture rooms of Lech Acharai (“Come, Follow Me”), one of the newer projects of the Light for the Children Foundation.

Light for the Children began 27 years ago, in the first decade of Namibian independence. It was a time when many Namibians moved hopefully across the country in search of work or resettlement, often encountering hardship instead. Informal settlements in towns such as Gobabis grew rapidly, while employment opportunities did not. Despair was common, and resources were scarce.

In moments like these, a choice presents itself: curse the gloom, or shine the light.

For people living under daunting circumstances, shining the light can feel almost impossible. Yet history repeatedly reveals individuals who carry vision into unlikely places, even when the journey is lonely. The real challenge lies in uniting with others, overcoming fear in favour of collaboration, finding like-minded partners and transforming shared dreams into sustained action.

This is how Light for the Children was born. In a settlement tellingly named “Disorder”, where children were often hungry, uncertain and absent from school, a small group of friends began an initiative of hope. “Let’s call it Light for the Children,” suggested Gerhard Hamutenya, a resident of the settlement. Though he had little formal education, he possessed vision. “And let’s see with whom we can take hands to be strong.” Pastor Henk Olwage, together with church members, helped to build networks and strengthen the growing movement. Since then, the organisation has continued to grow organically, forming new partnerships and developing new projects as needs arose.

What began as a single kindergarten has expanded into a Foundation, a Namibian registered Welfare Organisation with a centre where 35 staff members provide food, care and education for 350 babies and children up to Grade 1. Older children and youth are supported through the ABBA Group, which focuses on life skills, spiritual guidance and afternoon study. In partnership with Steps for Children, additional programmes extend care to even more young people. Together with Mrs Nakale’s Rise and Shine initiative, children recovering from malnutrition in hospital receive nourishment and ongoing support.

The organisation’s reach extends well beyond its original setting. The nearby On the Way Centre provides a home and development for San people of all ages from across the Omaheke Region. Nearly a thousand kilometres away, in the Kavango East Region, Bright Future Children’s Ministries was established. To support this expanding work, Light for the Children was later also registered as a Foundation in the Netherlands.

And the work continues to grow.

At the Lighthouse, the Van Rooyen family opens their home to orphans and babies placed in their care by government social workers. The IDA Centre (which stands for Îxa Daoams, meaning “Beautiful Gate”) integrates children with disabilities, supported by partners in the Netherlands and in collaboration with the Side by Side Centre, which specialises in this field. Established more recently, the Rehoboth Centre focuses on youth development.

Volunteers from near and far are welcomed, often staying in the community at the Rakutuka Guest Room, which boasts its own flourishing food garden. Visitors gain life experience as they give their time and skills.

Light for the Children continues to expand by living a model that can be replicated elsewhere: take hands and make friends, direct resources where they matter most and honour what is local, simple and deeply rooted.

Don`t just curse the gloom. Be the light.