Social welfare ministry registers nearly 376 000 orphans, vulnerable children

The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare has revealed that about 376 000 children are currently enrolled in the country’s orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) programme.

This figure was revealed by executive director Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati at the Government Information Centre on Tuesday.

Nghipondoka-Robiati said the figure accounts for more than 10% of Namibia’s total population, emphasising the significant challenges faced by the nation’s youth due to economic hardship and the Covid-19 pandemic.

She expressed concern over the growing number of vulnerable children in the country.

“It is a worrying trend to have so many vulnerable children.

“Covid-19 primarily and the economic downturn led to much of this vulnerability in our community,” Nghipondoka-Robiati said.

She said the OVC programme, which includes both the disability grant and the regular OVC grant, is designed to assist children who are at risk due to the loss of one or both parents, financial struggles, or social instability.

Nghipondoka-Robiati clarified the criteria used to determine which children are considered vulnerable.

“Both parents need to be unemployed, and the child must be under 18 years old to qualify for assistance,” she said.

She said in cases where one parent is absent, the child may still qualify if the remaining parent is unemployed and is the child’s primary caregiver.

Despite the government’s efforts to support these children, there have been challenges in ensuring that funds are used for their intended purpose, Nghipondoka-Robiati said.

“We are also aware of cases where some parents or guardians misuse the funds meant for the children’s welfare.

“It’s a bit challenging, given the constraints on human resources, but our social workers and law enforcement are actively involved in monitoring these situations,” she said.

Nghipondoka-Robiati said the ministry is urging the public to report any suspected abuse of grants.

“It is not fair for a child to be disadvantaged when the state is trying to support them,” she said.

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