“If one girl with an education can change the world, just imagine what 130 million can do.” ― Malala Yousafzai
Recently, we visited the Lidar Community Foundation with some colleagues to familiarise ourselves with the various projects supported by the Gondwana Care Trust. This project receives support through the MealForTwo Project.
Located in Windhoek's Katutura Central on Max Eichab Street, the foundation team warmly welcomed us upon arrival. Serley Eises greeted us and introduced us to her colleagues, who facilitate the training sessions. They gave us a tour of the foundation, from the library to the kitchen, and eventually led us to the training room. There, we joined a group of young mothers discussing the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for their emotions, their relationships with their own mothers, and the unplanned nature of having children at a young age. It was an inspiring session where we all shared our personal journeys, uplifting and encouraging one another despite our different backgrounds. We learned from each other's life experiences in a truly supportive and safe environment.
What makes the Lidar Community Foundation special is the strong sense of community it creates—a safe space for young women to be authentically themselves. It’s a place that helps them develop intellectually through educational programmes, ensuring they excel in their careers and emotional growth. It's a place where they can dream again.
The Lidar Community Foundation was initially established to provide capacity-building programmes aimed at fostering youth empowerment and educational activities for orphaned and vulnerable girls in Katutura-Central. The primary beneficiaries include primary and high school girls, teenage mothers, and tertiary students from marginalised backgrounds where substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence are prevalent. Currently, 75 young mothers are actively attending skills training and driving lessons, and there are 60 girls in the after-school programme. In total, more than 500 young mothers, adolescent girls, and young women are registered for support through the foundation.
This foundation is not just a support centre; it's a place where young women can find hope, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. It is evident to the power of community and the impact of comprehensive support systems for young mothers and girls facing challenging circumstances.
Should you wish to support this foundation in anyway, please reach out to Serley Eises via cellphone: +264 81 820 8999 or email: lidarfoundation(at)gmail.com
Author: Ndinelao Shikemeni
Photos: Ndinelao Shikemeni