By Agnes and Petrus | Founder and one of the Mammadu kids
Dear all,
We have now reached midterm of the school year and our children are enjoying their midterm holidays. The last few months have been very active at Mammadu with very interesting initiatives and trips.
First of all, however, I would like to give you some splendid news which concerns us very closely: starting from this edition of the newsletter we will avail ourselves of the collaboration of our Petrus, who wants to embark on a career as a journalist, and who, from now on, will be the our correspondent in Windhoek to provide us with all the news regarding Mammadu. An unmistakable sign that our kids are growing up and that they want to do it together with Mammadu. In this edition Petrus gave us the news of the wonderful weekend that they all spent camping in Gross Barmen (a spa town 200 km from Windhoek) and illustrated to us, in a very brilliant way, the Ann Pads initiative which took place in Mammadu, aimed at girls and boys, on the topic of menstrual education.
Another important news concerns our Josia who was able, for the first time, to publicly exhibit his paintings, achieving great success in an event aimed at young artists. Josia also sold some of his works and obtained commissions with great satisfaction for all of us.
A heartfelt thank you once again for your generous support of our activities also on behalf of the Board of Directors, all the children and our precious staff.
MENSTRUAL EDUCATION IN MAMMADU
By Petrus
In many parts of the world, menstruation remains a taboo subject, shrouded in silence and misinformation. Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and inadequate education often lead to embarrassment, health risks, and missed opportunities for girls. However, organizations like Ann Pads are challenging these barriers through their innovative approach to menstrual education and empowerment.
Ann Pads is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting menstrual health and hygiene awareness, particularly in underserved communities. One of their recent initiatives took place at Mammadu, where they conducted an educational session on menstruation for both girls and boys.
The session began with an open discussion about menstruation, breaking the silence that often surrounds the topic. Through interactive activities and visual aids, the Ann Pads team addressed common myths and misconceptions, emphasizing the biological facts and normalizing the menstrual experience for both genders.
One of the key highlights of the session was the introduction of washable pads. Recognizing the financial constraints and environmental impact of disposable menstrual products, Ann Pads provided each girl from Mammadu with a set of reusable pads. This not only addressed the issue of accessibility but also promoted sustainability and self-sufficiency within the community.
The distribution of washable pads was not merely a practical gesture; it symbolized empowerment. By equipping girls with the means to manage their menstruation hygienically and confidently, Ann Pads instilled a sense of dignity and agency. Moreover, involving boys in the educational session challenged gender norms and fostered empathy and understanding towards menstruating individuals.
The impact of Ann Pads' visit to Mammadu extended beyond the educational session itself. It sparked conversations among the girls, dispelling myths and fostering a more supportive environment for menstrual health. Girls felt more comfortable discussing their experiences, and boys became allies in promoting menstrual equity.
In conclusion, Ann Pads' initiative in Mammadu exemplifies the transformative power of menstrual education and access to hygiene products. By addressing taboos, providing knowledge, and offering practical solutions, organizations like Ann Pads are paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered society.
CONGRATULATION JOSIA!
By Agnes
Josia's first exhibition
On Saturday 6 April Josia participated at an event to promote young artists in Namibia. It was open to all the arts, singing, music, fashion, painting, sculpture, comic art. The event was well organised and Josia, for the first time, was able to exhibit his works. The day before we framed his paintings in a hurry to make them more appreciable. The most difficult thing was pricing. When I asked him about the costs, Josia naively told me that his time is free, but colors and paper are expensive. Then we had a little conversation in which I explained to him that actually his time and his talent are the most expensive parts. I, for example, could buy myself all the paper and colors I want, but I still wouldn't be able to make works like him!!! Josia understood the concept and we valued his paintings at 3000 NAD each, around 70 Euros. It seemed like a fortune to him, but the great thing is that he sold 3 of them and received orders for replicas. It was truly a great success for him. Part of the funds were invested in art materials and Josia also bought a laptop and a smartphone that he needed for school. His old smartphone had been stolen one morning at 6 am on the way to school. They robbed him and his younger sister. The dream now would be to organise an exhibition of his works abroad too. Is there anyone interested in helping with that?
MAMMADU CAMPING
By Agnes
For a while we had been thinking about taking a trip and we finally did. The destination chosen was Gross Barmen, about 200 km from Windhoek where there are hot springs.
We organized a camping trip for a weekend. Our manager Alex was truly phenomenal, he organized tents for everyone and planned the menu. The most complex things to transport were the food and our pots. In the evening, obviously, a huge barbecue and carrot and potato salad already prepared the day before. Meme Dina and Meme Julia were also part of the company as well as a couple of volunteers.
The kids were exceptional as always and they had the opportunity to have conversations with the adults about what to do after school. Petrus would like to become a journalist, others still don't know, but everyone is anxious about exams.
Ngunamuna pretty much put up all the tents which were all different and not always easy to put up.
On Sunday morning Alex got up at 5 because he wanted to prepare some cakes to celebrate the birthdays of Tate Daniel our driver, Ngunomuna, Regina and Shawana. Then he organized a relay race at 6 in the morning, in pitch darkness! The boys were fire and flame and we realised that they are actually really great runners. Now we are considering signing up as Mammadu for official races.
AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND
By Petrus
Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Gross Barmen, a Saturday morning dawned with the promise of adventure and discovery. As we arrived at the serene oasis, anticipation bubbled within us, eager to embrace the wonders that awaited.
Setting up our tents became the first task at hand. With poles and pegs in hand, we worked together to assemble our makeshift homes beneath the sprawling canopy of trees. Laughter echoed through the air as we fumbled with fabric and tangled ropes, bonding over the shared challenge of creating our temporary sanctuary.
With our campsite established, we wasted no time in immersing ourselves in the natural splendor that surrounded us. The allure of the hot springs beckoned, their warm embrace calling out to us like a siren's song. Tentatively, we dipped our toes into the inviting waters, feeling the soothing heat envelop us in a cocoon of relaxation. As we submerged ourselves fully, the tension of the week melted away, replaced by a sense of blissful serenity. It was a moment of pure indulgence, a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply be.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, thoughts turned to the adventures that lay ahead. A 10-kilometer race awaited us on the morrow, a test of endurance and determination that promised both challenge and reward. With hearts full of excitement and anticipation, we retired to our tents, lulled to sleep by the gentle murmur of the night.
Morning dawned with the promise of a new day, and with it, the excitement of the race ahead. As we lined up at the starting line, adrenaline coursing through our veins, we were filled with a sense of exhilaration and anticipation. With each step, we pushed ourselves to new heights, drawing strength from the camaraderie of our fellow runners and the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings.
Crossing the finish line, breathless and exhilarated, we reveled in the sense of accomplishment that washed over us. It had been a weekend filled with adventure, discovery, and unforgettable moments, a testament to the transformative power of nature and the bonds of friendship forged along the way. As we bid farewell to Gross Barmen, our hearts were full, and our spirits soared with the memories of an unforgettable journey shared with those we hold dear.
By Agnes Albrecht | Founder
By Agnes Albrecht | Founder of Mammadu
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can recieve an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
