Martha Festus is determined to stop the cycle of poverty in her community by feeding a generation of children. One big step she took was launching the Ebenezer Soup Kitchen Charity, which took place on Saturday, March 30 in Wanaheda, under the theme “In the fight against hunger, we’re all in this together.”
Where it all begun
Festus, 23, says that she grew up in an amazing family on the outskirts of Windhoek and that it was in this rural environment that she got to witness the vulnerabilities people face.
“I witnessed so many vulnerable children starving, going to bed hungry, and not having a stable meal for days, which motivated me to open the kitchen,” Festus said.
Festus says she has plans and dreams of extending this to a regular feeding scheme where she and her team can cater at least a meal a day to the children, as most of them come from impoverished homes.
Challenges and Satisfactions
Yet, of course, there are a number of challenges she faces.
Festus says that they do not have sponsors but are fortunate enough to have phenomenal Samaritans who assist with donations to make this kitchen a dream come true and impact so many children.
“Although financial disabilities play a huge role in slowing the process, we aim to reach out to potential donors in order to overcome this obstacle,” Festus said confidently.
Festus is a pioneer of effecting the change you wish to see in the world, and she proudly says that nothing is ever too little for charity.
Festus says that the satisfaction of knowing that she’s playing a part in a child going to bed happy is an internal accomplishment that boosts her up every day.
“Seeing a child’s stomach filled and knowing that they will be going to bed happy is enough evidence.”
Additionally, Festus says there are a lot of things to be grateful for accomplishing.
“Being recognized internationally and, most importantly, being able to feed the kids no matter the increasing number is a huge accomplishment,” Festus shared.
International Awards
Her work has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Festus was nominated by the Zikomo Africa Awards for her humanitarian work in 2022. The Zikomo Africa Awards are an international annual award ceremony that operates from Lusaka, Zambia, and has rewarded changemakers in fashion, music, entrepreneurs, and humanitarian work. The winners are determined by public votes.
Last November, there were a few nominees from Namibia as well. These were:
Artist of the Year: Lioness
Female Artist of the Year: Lioness
Traditional Artist of the Year: Sweet Namibia
Collaboration of the Year: Taylor Jaye ft. Stoneboy, ‘Let Me Confess’
Club DJ of the Year: DJ Yessonia
Gospel Artist of the Year: Maranatha Goroh
The ceremony also honoured media personalities, media outlets, actors, social media influencers, movie directors, comedians, and photographers.
What’s to come
She’s currently also pursuing and growing other businesses, so the kitchen is not her full-time focus. One of the charities she is focusing on is reaching out to kids with disabilities and having a foundation set apart for them.
“Actions speak louder than words, so I’m not going to say what people should expect,” Festus said. “I’m full of surprises, so they can always be on the lookout as 2024 comes holding more.”
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