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Tuesday, April 30, 2002 - Web posted at 8:31:02 pm GMT

Discovering the work ethic at Otjimbingwe

THE women of Otjimbingwe are on a mission to create work for the mostly unemployed residents of this settlement, 60 km south east of Karibib.

Leading the initiative is Maria Haragaib, Chairperson of the Haodadi Community Project.

Speaking at the official opening of the project last week, Haragaib said: "Government has explained that we must create work. That is what we are trying to do, but it is difficult with children."

Headman of Otjimbingwe, Bethuel Haraseb, said his community would be able to make progress if they all worked together. He praised Haragaib for taking the initiative.

"Men and women are now equal in Namibia, but some women are very brave. They get up and decide to do something," he said.

The project, which is registered with Women's Action for Development (WAD), received a major boost on the day of its official opening when WAD Executive Director Veronica de Klerk handed over sewing machines, an overlocker and material to Haragaib.

De Klerk also offered some possible solutions to problems identified by members, as well as suggestions on income-generating activities tried and tested by WAD.

The women who volunteered their time to start two kindergartens said they struggle to get enough wood, water and food and that many parents are not prepared to pay for their children to attend the kindergarten.

Haragaib said the first activity suggested by De Klerk that she would like to get off the ground is the making of shopping bags.

According to De Klerk, these bags are in high demand and more than 80 000 have already been made by community groups across the country.

WAD co-ordinates the marketing and selling of the bags and pays participating projects for every bag made.

"This means money for women every day that can go towards food and school funds."

Haragaib said with the new sewing machines, the Haodadi project will be able to make clothes and any other items on order.

She has a host of other potential activities up her sleeve.
The project has about 90 members of whom eight are men. Otjimbingwe has about 500 residents.

Regional Councillor Usiel Xoagub said they are in the process of applying for settlement status for Otjimbingwe.

More than a stitch in time

The Haodadi Community Project at Otjimbingwe last week received a welcome donation of sewing machines and material from Women's Action for Development (WAD). Veronica de Klerk, Executive Director of WAD (left) handed the donation to Maria Haragaib (centre) of the project. On the right is Else Khaises-Nangoro, Erongo WAD Co-ordinator. Photo: Maggi Barnard
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