Hope Village: Changing young lives
Established in 2004, Hope Village works closely with the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare. Children identified through investigations into abandonment, neglect and abuse are placed here by court order and remain in care until they reach the age of 18.
At the core of Hope Village’s work is a commitment to caring for any child in need of social services, as outlined in Namibia’s Children’s Act. “Our responsibility is to give these children a safe and stable home where they can grow,” said director Boma Nanyemba.
Hope Village was founded by the late Pastor Marietjie de Klerk, who was inspired by her humanitarian work in Kolkata, India. After the passing of Mother Teresa, she returned to Namibia and established the organisation to restore dignity and hope to vulnerable children. De Klerk passed away last year, but her vision continues to guide the organisation.
Unlike traditional orphanages, Hope Village operates as a family-based home. The premises consist of five houses divided by age and gender, accommodating children from infancy to 18 years old. Children receive three meals a day, personal belongings, transport to school and healthcare facilities, academic support, and opportunities for family visits.
“We focus on creating a normal home environment,” Nanyemba explained. “Children take part in daily chores, attend school, and are raised in a setting that mirrors family life.”
As a non-profit organisation, Hope Village relies heavily on donations from local and international supporters. Corporate partners such as MTC, Standard Bank and Bank Windhoek assist with operational costs, but high municipal bills remain a major challenge.
Despite financial constraints, Hope Village has many success stories, with former residents going on to become professionals in various fields. Looking ahead, the organisation plans to build an after-school centre, expand infant housing, and improve security infrastructure.
Hope Village is calling on the public, corporate Namibia and government institutions to support its work through funding, skills sharing and long-term partnerships. “These children are not just ours,” Nanyemba said. “They belong to all of us, and supporting them is an investment in Namibia’s future.”
At the core of Hope Village’s work is a commitment to caring for any child in need of social services, as outlined in Namibia’s Children’s Act. “Our responsibility is to give these children a safe and stable home where they can grow,” said director Boma Nanyemba.
Hope Village was founded by the late Pastor Marietjie de Klerk, who was inspired by her humanitarian work in Kolkata, India. After the passing of Mother Teresa, she returned to Namibia and established the organisation to restore dignity and hope to vulnerable children. De Klerk passed away last year, but her vision continues to guide the organisation.
Unlike traditional orphanages, Hope Village operates as a family-based home. The premises consist of five houses divided by age and gender, accommodating children from infancy to 18 years old. Children receive three meals a day, personal belongings, transport to school and healthcare facilities, academic support, and opportunities for family visits.
“We focus on creating a normal home environment,” Nanyemba explained. “Children take part in daily chores, attend school, and are raised in a setting that mirrors family life.”
As a non-profit organisation, Hope Village relies heavily on donations from local and international supporters. Corporate partners such as MTC, Standard Bank and Bank Windhoek assist with operational costs, but high municipal bills remain a major challenge.
Despite financial constraints, Hope Village has many success stories, with former residents going on to become professionals in various fields. Looking ahead, the organisation plans to build an after-school centre, expand infant housing, and improve security infrastructure.
Hope Village is calling on the public, corporate Namibia and government institutions to support its work through funding, skills sharing and long-term partnerships. “These children are not just ours,” Nanyemba said. “They belong to all of us, and supporting them is an investment in Namibia’s future.”
