A church at Rundu in the Kavango East region has built a one-bedroom house for a blind pensioner (66) after finding her living in unsafe conditions.
Theresia Adao, who lives in Sauyemwa with her two grandchildren, aged six and eight, has been living without adequate care after one of her two children, who was the family breadwinner, died seven years ago.
Adao also has a disability affecting her leg.
Although she receives a monthly pension grant, the church says she has been unable to benefit fully from the money because her son allegedly uses it for his own needs instead of caring for her.
Christ’s Love Ministries Sauyemwa resident pastor Olusoji Ajiboso says the church began assisting Adao in 2019 after becoming aware of her condition and vulnerability.
He says the church initially provided Adao with a temporary shelter while construction was ongoing.
“We have seen that she has a disability and that her son does not take care of her.
“So we started taking care of her in 2019 by providing the basic needs,” he says.
He says he first saw how she lived when he went to deliver Christmas gifts to her last year.
“I saw where she was living and how she was living.
“We were even more afraid for her as she can’t see,” Ajiboso says.
He says construction started in January this year.
He says the pensioner also had an outstanding water bill of more than N$4 000, which the church settled before the project received approval from the Rundu Town Council.
The new house includes a kitchen, toilet and a shower, facilities Ajiboso says would make it easier and safer for Adao to live independently.
“We want her to stay in a comfortable space where she has her own kitchen, toilet and shower inside.
“It would be easier for her considering her condition,” he says.
The handover took place at Sauyemwa on Sunday. Ajiboso says the project forms part of the church’s commitment to supporting vulnerable community members through practical assistance.
“As a church, we believe that the gospel must be demonstrated through love, compassion and service.
“When we saw the need, we knew that we had to do something practical to make a difference,” he says.
A house is more than bricks and walls, it provides security, dignity, belonging and hope, Ajiboso says.
Adao at the handover expressed gratitude to the church for the support, describing it as a blessing and important milestone in her life.
Rundu town chairperson of the management committee Josef Kamakende at the handover described the gift as a demonstration of compassion, solidarity and love for fellow human beings.
He says the house would provide the pensioner with security, stability and a sense of belonging.
“Your organisation has demonstrated that the strength of a community is measured by how we care for those who may need additional support,” he says.
Kamakende advises Adao to view the house as a symbol of hope and a reminder that she is valued and an important community member.
“May this home bring you peace, comfort, safety and happiness,” he says.
He calls on organisations, churches, businesses, individuals and development partners to follow the example set by Christ Love Ministries.
