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”