Place of crime to become a shelter

THE old Katutura cinema complex, which has been standing empty for years, will hopefully soon become a hub of activity after it receives a facelift.

The complex was in the news in early 2005 when little Manuela Sofia Hoesemas (4) was brutally raped and murdered at the complex. Now the same complex will become a refuge for the many vulnerable and needy people who live in Katutura.The Restoration Community Development Organisation (Recodec) started cleaning up and renovating the building at the beginning of the month.Their plans for the former cinema include an after-school centre and a shelter for abused women.Children will be able to come to the Recodec Centre after school to receive tutoring and help with their schoolwork.Computer training will also be given to those who are interested.Recreational activities for the children will also be available, mainly to get them off the street.Women who are in abusive relationships will not only be able to find refuge and safety at the centre but can also receive computer and business management training.”Women who are in abusive relationships stay in them, as they are often unemployed and unskilled.”We want to educate and empower them to be able to get out of their situation and take care of their children themselves,” says Sandi Tjarondo, Chairperson of Recodec.PEOPLE & PLANS The centre, which is located opposite the Katutura Old Age Home, will also be looking after the aged and will assist the home with food and clothing wherever possible.The organisation has already identified the Moses Garoëb School in Katutura as one of the schools that will receive soup for the orphans.Orphans will be fed, clothed and assisted with their schooling needs by the centre.People who are in need of medical attention will also be able to go to the centre for help, as nurses have already volunteered some of their time.”Often we find people with small medical needs like the changing of a bandage who are just at home and they can come and we will help them wherever possible,” said Tjarondo.The centre will be dedicated to the memory of Manuela Sofia Hoesemas once it is operational.The renovations are proceeding very slowly, as a lot of money is still needed to help make the centre a reality.MTC has donated N$15 000 but an estimated N$1 million is still needed to upgrade and convert the complex into the Recodec centre for the people.Now the same complex will become a refuge for the many vulnerable and needy people who live in Katutura.The Restoration Community Development Organisation (Recodec) started cleaning up and renovating the building at the beginning of the month.Their plans for the former cinema include an after-school centre and a shelter for abused women.Children will be able to come to the Recodec Centre after school to receive tutoring and help with their schoolwork.Computer training will also be given to those who are interested.Recreational activities for the children will also be available, mainly to get them off the street.Women who are in abusive relationships will not only be able to find refuge and safety at the centre but can also receive computer and business management training.”Women who are in abusive relationships stay in them, as they are often unemployed and unskilled.”We want to educate and empower them to be able to get out of their situation and take care of their children themselves,” says Sandi Tjarondo, Chairperson of Recodec.PEOPLE & PLANS The centre, which is located opposite the Katutura Old Age Home, will also be looking after the aged and will assist the home with food and clothing wherever possible.The organisation has already identified the Moses Garoëb School in Katutura as one of the schools that will receive soup for the orphans.Orphans will be fed, clothed and assisted with their schooling needs by the centre.People who are in need of medical attention will also be able to go to the centre for help, as nurses have already volunteered some of their time.”Often we find people with small medical needs like the changing of a bandage who are just at home and they can come and we will help them wherever possible,” said Tjarondo.The centre will be dedicated to the memory of Manuela Sofia Hoesemas once it is operational.The renovations are proceeding very slowly, as a lot of money is still needed to help make the centre a reality.MTC has donated N$15 000 but an estimated N$1 million is still needed to upgrade and convert the complex into the Recodec centre for the people.