N≠a Jaqna Conservancy food distribution benefiting school children

WINDHOEK, MARCH 27 – The capacity to empower students not only lies in free education or clothing, but at its core should incorporate a sound and solid dietary plan. In the N≠a Jaqna Conservancy, the largest conservancy in Namibia and one of only two that are managed by the San, benefit distribution of food is carried out with military precision.

Food supplies worth N$96,000 have been distributed to 16 schools in the area during March 2019 alone.

This month alone, food benefit has been distributed to schools throughout the area. During times of food-insecurity and drought, any form of assistance is welcome, especially for the most vulnerable, the children of the conservancy.

This is the second year that the conservancy has distributed food to local schools, and the conservancy knows basic food supplies are hard to come by for the schools, but has vowed to make sure that provision of the precious commodity to children is a priority.

The schools are often left to fend to the feeding of the children, which more often represents the only meal child might get. Hence, the N$ 6,000 worth of food for each of the 16 schools was gladly and enthusiastically received. The schools received oil, maize, soup, pasta and tinned fish. This food distribution makes a big difference in this highly impoverished area where children often depend on school food to stave off hunger.

Sarah Zungu, Chairperson of the N≠a Jaqna Conservancy said: “The community decided at our Annual General Meeting that supplementing the food in schools was a priority, so here we are doing what we can. This distribution of food is a perfect example of a community helping out its most vulnerable members and providing direct benefits.”

She added that more could be done if authorities would help to bring to an ebb problems that include illegal land grabbing among others.

“We would be able to do more if we received more help from the authorities in dealing with the illegal land grabbing, fencing and grazing as this impact on the land and resources available to our community to survive on. We are still waiting for the Land Board to implement the High Court Judgement of 2016 and do an audit of illegal fencing, but there is not action, we are really on our own here trying to support our community. ”

The Conservancy will continue to support and help develop the community and its people. – NDN Staffer