Let the babies live

Baby dumping is a continuous concern for the general public as graphic images of unwanted babies scar the minds of all concerned. This phenomenon has lead two young graduates to take a stand and start a cause to this effect. Speaking to the Economist, Xungileni Kathindi and Ndapewoshali Ashipala expound on this social injustice and what they are doing to help prevent the dumping of newborns. The two graduates have started a campaign named “Saving a baby” which is currently in the process of being registered as an organisation not for gain.
“At this stage, we work mainly from home. Then the street teams go to public areas such as the city centre to raise awareness for the cause by handing out flyers and putting up posters in Windhoek and towns all over the country. The main aim of the cause is give all babies born in Namibia a fair chance at life and hope for the future by informing people about how to deal with unwanted pregnancies and babies. The prevention come from increased social action” the ladies explained.
“Our main target is female youth (between the ages of 14 and 24 years old) as research has shown these to be the group most at risk” Ndapewoshali explained. “The idea of the group is to convince any young lady who may be pregnant, that dumping the baby is not their only option despite the social or financial pressures they may be facing.”
Unique in its nature, the cause takes a Christian approach to their inherent values. This means on the matters of legalizing abortion and contraceptions, the two founders state “As the organisation was founded on Christian morals, we do not advocate for the legalization of abortion.We do not advocate for the engagement of sexual activity before marriage but we do not believe in condemnation of individuals for any such activities.”
“However, the main concern of Save a Baby  is to create awareness about the baby dumping crisis in Namibia and using that awareness to ensure that baby dumping is no longer an option and when possible, to facilitate the delivery of unwanted babies to “safe” places. Therefore, this particular cause is more concerned with what happens after the conception of the baby as opposed to before.”
The cause and all its expenses are currently covered only by the two young motivated ladies themselves. They asked that aid and assistance be in the form of volunteers and logistical support. This may be in the from of basic needs like printing flyers for raising awareness or donating baby products for future distribution to needy mothers.
Save a Baby can be contacted by email at [email protected].