Ebenezer Soup Kitchen offers hope and healing

Founded in 2019 by Martha Festus, Ebenezer Soup Kitchen in the Havana informal settlement in Windhoek continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families through feeding programmes, clothing handovers, blanket drives, and mentorship initiatives.

The organisation, which operates every Saturday throughout the year, feeds between 500 and 600 children from marginalised communities. Festus said the goal of the soup kitchen is to support people from all walks of life and remind them that they are not forgotten.

Beyond providing meals, the initiative also creates opportunities for volunteers to gain important skills while preparing meals and serving the community.

“When volunteers work together in the kitchen, they learn how to communicate clearly, support one another, and take responsibility,” Festus said.

The organisation also collaborates with youth groups and community organisations to expose volunteers and children to mentorship and career guidance opportunities. Festus believes these partnerships help young people build confidence and hope for the future.

“They meet leaders, professionals, and change-makers who can inspire them and open doors for future opportunities,” she said.

Despite the positive impact, the organisation faces several challenges, particularly food shortages and a lack of fixed sponsorships. Festus said one of the most difficult moments is not being able to assist every child who asks for help.

“One of the hardest things is sending a child home after they woke up early for what might have been their first meal in a long time,” she said.

Although the organisation does not have permanent sponsors, several businesses and groups, including Kings Lounge, TST Marketing, The Beat Namibia, Hochland Round Table, and YNOT Group, occasionally provide support through donations and volunteer assistance.

Festus said the experience of running the soup kitchen has changed her perspective on life and strengthened her passion for helping others.

“My involvement has enabled me to think beyond the given box and spend my life helping where I possibly can,” she said.

Looking ahead, Festus hopes to expand the initiative by opening an orphanage that will provide shelter, mentorship, career guidance, and leadership development for young people.