Kids Soup Kitchen provides hope and care, one meal at a time

Founded in 2005, Kids Soup Kitchen in Ombili has become a backbone of hope for vulnerable children in the community.

The organisation was established by Samuel Kapepo, a community activist, humanitarian and actor.

Driven by compassion and concern for children going to school hungry, Kapepo created a space where children receive both meals and care.

The initiative began in response to the growing number of less fortunate children lacking access to daily nutritious food. What started as a small community effort has grown into a consistent support system for many families in Windhoek.

The organisation mainly serves children aged between two and 16 years. Once they turn 17, they can choose to transition into volunteer roles.

It operates mainly on Sundays and on Wednesdays when sponsorship is available. On Sundays alone, about 305 children are fed, with numbers rising to around 370 on some weekends.

Holistic support

Beyond meals, the organisation offers mentorship, homework assistance and occasional donations of clothing and stationery, helping address both educational and social needs.

Executive chairperson Johannes Nghifikepunye said the organisation continues to face challenges such as limited funding, rising food prices and inconsistent donations. “Sometimes you find few family members who are willing to help by donating food enough to feed the children on a certain Sunday,” he said, adding that community support remains essential.

Volunteers and local donors play a key role in sustaining operations, preparing and serving meals while contributing resources. The organisation continues to call on more community participation to strengthen its impact.

Kids Soup Kitchen also supports youth development through volunteering, mentorship and educational assistance. Older beneficiaries gain experience in responsibility, teamwork and basic organisational tasks, while mentorship and homework support help strengthen academic foundations.

The organisation hopes to expand its facilities in the future by securing its own space to reach more children in need. For Kapepo and the team, the work remains a long-term commitment to service.