A 24-year-old's charity changes lives in Havana

In Windhoek’s Havana informal settlement, the Havana Charity Work Foundation has become a lifeline for children and families in need. Founded in 2021 by 24-year-old Penomwene Nekwaya, affectionately known as Ms Natasha, the organisation continues to grow in impact and reach.

“I am passionate about helping people who are in need, and in 2021 I came up with an idea of making the world a better place through the Havana Charity Work Foundation," she told Careers. The foundation currently provides food to over 300 kids every Saturday and around 15 kids during weekdays.

The foundation does not shy away from helping the community. It has cared for people who survived suicide attempts and children whose parents faced difficulties and provided mentorship and emotional support. 

Nekwaya said the foundation's vision is to uplift Namibian communities by supporting struggling households.

“The Havana Charity Work Foundation was established to make Namibia a better place, to be the voice of the community, to bring hope to those who live in less privileged households and to be the helping hand to the community,” she said.

For her, the foundation’s greatest milestone has been providing life-saving interventions.

"I know that I have saved not just one but seven lives and that is joyful," she said. "I pray that we will save more lives in the future."

Not alone

The construction of a soup kitchen was another highlight.

"We have a beautiful infrastructure because of Footsteps for Africa and I am forever grateful to them,” she said. 

The Havana Charity Work Foundation thrives on partnerships with organisations and individuals who share its vision. 

Nekwaya said that the foundation has received support from different stakeholders, including KPMG and other stakeholders. It currently receives assistance from 100 volunteers and active members.

“We have worked with KPMG for the past three years, actively supporting us every year. KPMG supported us by donating a gas cylinder stove, cups, plates and cooking pots. Eenghoshi Biker Club has been our supporter since day one, along with Mercure Hotel, students from NUST and Unam, Siku Investment, Namib Diaries, China Jiangsu International, Footsteps for Africa, and good Samaritans,” she said.