Mammadu Trust creates opportunities for Namibia’s youth

Mammadu Trust has spent nearly two decades changing the lives of vulnerable children and young people in Windhoek’s Otjomuise community. Founded in 2008 by Agnes Albrecht alongside a group of trustees, the non-profit organisation was created to provide concrete support to disadvantaged children.

The organisation currently supports 61 children through programmes that operate from Monday to Friday between 07:00 and 17:00.

The centre offers after-school tutoring, kindergarten and preschool classes, sports education, recreational activities, transport services, and nutritional support through healthy meals and snacks.

“Mammadu aims to help, in a concrete manner, minors living in situations of hardship and degradation,” Albrecht said. She added that the organisation’s work goes beyond meeting children’s immediate needs by also providing school fees, uniforms, stationery, and healthcare services to ensure learners have every opportunity to succeed.

The impact of Mammadu Trust can be seen through stories like that of Josia, one of the centre’s first learners.

“As he was an exceptional learner, we managed to enrol him at St Paul’s, and now he is attending North-West University (NWU) in South Africa.”

However, the good it does goes beyond nurturing and supporting young learners, as the organisation also continues to address issues such as teenage pregnancies among the youth it supports.

She said his success reflects Mammadu’s commitment to creating educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Despite its achievements, the organisation faces significant challenges, such as repeated break-ins and vandalism at the centre, which often cost more to repair than the value of the stolen items.”

Albrecht added that the organisation struggles to recruit volunteers.

Support from partners has played a vital role in sustaining the organisation’s work. “Food rations and school sponsorship help a lot,” Albrecht said, adding that the Gondwana Care Trust has been one of its most valued supporters through its Meal for Two programme.

For Albrecht, dedicating her life to community service has been deeply fulfilling. “It is much more rewarding than anything else.”

Looking to the future, Mammadu Trust hopes to continue building young, educated, self-conscious people and creating opportunities for the next generation of Namibian leaders.

Albrecht's advice to young Namibians is simple: “Be respectful, honest and study. One never finishes studying.”