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LENDING A HELPING HAND The Democratic Resettlement community (DRC), Namibia

Makeshift shanties held together by large chunks of shrapnel, scraps of wood, and tarps made up most of the DRC. We passed through rows of boarded structures and cargo containers that the inhabitants called home, making our way to Jourson’s Kindergarten. Two young children, a boy and girl, came rushing outside to greet us. They had huge smiles on their faces and instantly grabbed at our pant legs and hands, a sign of friendship and affection. I had arrived to perform magic and bring food and supplies to the children struggling in the DRC ( Democratic Resettlement Community ) and township district in Swakopmund, Namibia. It was December 21, and Christmas was right around the corner. It was close to 90 degrees and dry heat, not the ideal white Christmas we all hope for, but one the inhabitants of the Kindergarten were used to.

The caretaker, Jerry, came out to greet us and let us in. Me being 6’ 2”, the threshold was the sort I had to duck through. Inside, the wood and plastic ceiling was not much higher. There were three small rooms in total, the main class room, an area for the caretakers, and another smaller room for the childrens sleeping arrangements, which was little more than sleeping bags and pillows. They immediately wanted to see magic.

As I finished my last trick, Jerry insisted I join him outside. He showed me a plastic table and chairs and said, “can you use your magic to fix my table?” There was a giant crack through the table and the chairs all looked like they had seen better days. If only I had the power to magically restore them at that moment. The joke was laughed off by Jerry, however, despite his nonchalance, I could sense a deep urgency in his words. More so than the table, these people needed help.

Jerry explained to me that any support was welcome, from textbooks, to underwear, to clothing. The living conditions in these settlements are harsh, but the children’s hearts and smiles are as pure as can be. For further information on how to help email [email protected] in the DRC.

Att: Jeremia Uusiku
Erongo Regional Council, Tobias Hainyeko Street Acacia Building
Private Bag 5019
Swakopmund
Namibia/DRC Location

Departing the Kindergarten, we visited another group, the Mondesa Youth Opportunity, an after school program to nurture gifted students who’s talents would otherwise go to waste.

For more information visit http://mondesayouth.org/
For more information on other DRC Programs visit:
http://www.katuturaprojekte.com