Tuesday 26 September 2017

LEADERS AND SUPPORT GROUPS TEAMING UP



Despite stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV 9 years ago, it did not stop members of Erastus Uutoni support group from strengthening and uniting both people living with and affected by HIV in Ongwediva Constituency.

Erastus Uutoni Support Group named after Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration of Namibia, HON. ERASTUS AMUTENYA UUTONI, was established in 2008 by less than 10 members.

During Erastus Uutoni Community Development Project (garden) official opening by its namesake, Erastus Uutoni, Hambeleleni Haingumbi, the chairperson of the groups stated that HIV negative impacts forced them to have one voice.

 “The overall purpose to establish this support group was to advocate for the rights of people living and affected by HIV in our community” Hambeleleni Haingumbi, Chairperson.

The membership has grown to 27 members in 2017, with only 2 men among 25 women.  The support group has a mixed membership – both infected and affected people. “We have made the decision to welcome everyone in the group, whether infected or affected with one aim of uniting everyone because those who are not infected today need information to help their families, whereas those infected need information to maintain their health status”.

Hambeleleni expressed that men do not participate in HIV activities.




“We are very sad because we are in this HIV battle alone. Men supposed to be our protectors but it does not look so in our community. Only women on forefront in this HIV battle, only two men are in our sport group”. Hambeleleni Haingumbi

The records obtained from Tonata PLHIV Network – the only network of support groups in Namibia, indicate that, in Erastus Uutoni Support Group, there are 19 people out of the 27 members of Erastus Uutoni are on HIV treatment. Apart from HIV awareness, the support group does crop farming as part of its income generating activities.

“We wanted to farm with Fish farming at the beginning, but we did not have enough resources to run it. We decided to shift to crop farming. Through the Namibia Development Trust (NDT), our support group received about two hundred thousand (N$ 200 000, 00) from the office of High Commission of Canada (HCC) in Namibia to upgrade our garden”.




The traditional Authority, Oikango no 2’s headman provided the Support Group with land where the garden is today. The money from the office of the High Commission of Canada in Namibia was used to buy water tanks, manure, poles and other tools needed to modernize the garden.  Apart from the assistance from HCC, the groups was assisted by the SWAPO Youth League Secretary, Mr. Ephraim Nekongo to set up their modernized garden. Ministry of Gender and Equality of Namibia had materially, helped the support group to be where it is today, says Hambeleleni.

“As you can see for yourself, the garden looks very greenish. This has been our vision. We thank all who have supported us, including Tonata, our network for linking us to many service providers like Positive Vibes Trust Namibia. We want to make this garden the biggest ever garden in Oshana region, if not in the entire Namibia” Hambeleleni

Erastus Uutoni Support Group wish to have after school programmes to help the Orphans and Vulnerable Children in completing their homeworks.

On the 09th September 2017, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration of Namibia, HON. ERASTUS AMUTENYA UUTONI, visited his namesake (the garden) to familiarize himself with the garden.

In his words and visible smile on his face, the Deputy Minister told the support group, and invited guests that it was a humble experience for him to see his greenish namesake.  Uutoni came with big delegation including Rani Group of Companies, Doctors and various politicians – Current Mayor and Former Mayor of Ongwediva, former Ongwediva Constituency Councilor.  

“I am happy to see people organized working together for economic rebirth. I am also disappointed by both men and youth for letting our mothers to do it alone. It is evident that women are in numbers in this project. Where are the men? Where are the youth? Young people should join the project to help our elders as they are getting old” Uutoni.




The Deputy Minister and his wife donated 20 bags of cement and Five thousand Namibian dollar (N$ 5000.00).
“I want when I come back soon, to see another building here. The building should have all the tools needed to store your products. I am urging Hon. Andreas Erastus Uutoni, the current Ongwediva Constituency Councilor to facilitate this process. I am also urging the business people to help where possible”



Rani Group of Companies donated twenty five thousand Namibia dollars (N$ 25 000) to the support group and promised to help in future when everything (electricity, storage) are in place.  The Councilor of Ongwediva Constituency promised to electrify the project by or before March 2018.  Different leaders and attendees pledged for the growth of the garden. The cash amount pledged is thirty-three thousand, two hundred fifty-two and two tenths (N$ 33 252.20).

“The money pledged here today should be used in the interest of the project. My vision, if everything is turn out right, I am hoping to see a borehole by this project” Deputy Minister, Uutoni

The Rani Group of Companies urged the Erastus Uutoni Support Group to approach them when they happen to start the children after school programme. They are willing to donate 500 chips (NikNaks) on a monthly basis to the children.




Ben Mulongeni, former Chief Regional Office (CRO) for Khomas Regional Council promised that he will work closely with the project as an advisor. Thikameni Ekandjo, former Ongwediva Councilor said he will be offering his agricultural expertise to the project to ensure that the project’s growth is positive.

www.tonata,org 


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