A young man named Sam is transforming lives starting with his own.

Sam has become a beacon of hope and resilience in his community. “My name is Sam, I am 26 years old from Ondwi village in Ohangwena region,” he begins, proudly sharing his story. “I am a member of Ondwi Village Action Group (VAG). I joined DAPP Child Aid as a volunteer.”

What began as a simple act of service quickly evolved into a life-changing journey. Sam’s dedication and leadership earned him the role of VAG coordinator, a position that allowed him to deepen his impact. “I enjoy helping families to construct latrines using local materials and making firewood-saving stoves,” he explains. “This initiative has helped reduce demand for firewood as people understood the bad effects of cutting down too many trees”.

Sam’s work didn’t go unnoticed. Word of his skills spread beyond Ondwi village, reaching even communities near the Angolan border. “The project made me to be a busy somebody,” he says with a smile. “Even those living closer to the border of Angola have been requesting for my support for making latrines and tippy taps, as it was their first time to know about these systems.”

His commitment recently led to a new milestone: employment. “I am now nominated to be among the team that will construct modern toilets at one of our local primary schools,” Sam shares. “It’s a three-month contract, and I never dreamt of becoming an employee one day in my life.”

Sam’s transformation is not just professional, it’s deeply personal. “I used to spend most of my time at shebeens drinking alcohol,” he admits. “But today I am a proud man, being a breadwinner for my family.”

With a renewed sense of purpose, Sam is now looking to the future. “I have good business ideas like making latrines, tippy taps, and firewood-saving stoves for families who then pay me for the job.”

Sam’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven development. “I would like to thank DAPP Child Aid for changing my life,” he says. And in doing so, he’s helping change the lives of many others.

In the quiet village of Omakuku, nestled in Namibia’s Omusati Region, a powerful transformation is taking root —one garden at a time.

Sevelinus Shiposha, a resident of Outapi Constituency, never imagined that a few seeds and a patch of soil could change his life. But thanks to the Nutrition and Backyard Gardening Program led by DAPP Namibia, that’s exactly what happened.

I wasn’t interested at first,” Sevelinus admits. “I registered, but I didn’t attend the meetings. I didn’t understand the value, and I didn’t have the money to buy seeds or materials.” When Josefina Iikuyu, a passionate project facilitator, visited his home to offer support, he turned her away. “I chased her off—I didn’t know what she was bringing.”

But change has a way of knocking twice. Seeing neighbours begin their gardens stirred something in Sevelinus. When Josefina called another meeting, he decided to attend. “I was shedding tears,” he recalls. “I regretted wasting all that time. I learned so much— especially patience, organisation, and the importance of hard work.”
Today, Sevelinus tends his backyard garden with pride. It’s not just a source of fresh vegetables—it’s a symbol of resilience, growth, and hope. His family now enjoys a healthier diet, and he’s become a voice of encouragement for others.

“My message to the youth and my fellow participants is simple,” he says. “Let’s keep working hard. Let’s support one another. Let’s share what we’ve learned—at school, at home, everywhere. We are one community, and we must lift each other.
evelinus’s story is a reminder that self-reliance doesn’t begin with perfect conditions—it starts with a decision to try. And with the right support, even the smallest garden can grow a future”