Dolam Children’s Home still going strong.

The Dolam Children’s Home was founded by Rosa Namises, a Human Rights activist. She started the home for orphans and vulnerable children when she saw a child sleeping in an abandoned car. From that day on she decided to make a difference.  Dolam Children’s Homes was started in 1999, when Rosa decided to open here own home to vulnerable children, and today they have 21 children that they care for. Nesindano Namises Rosa’s daughter caretaker at the home said they try to make sure that the children live as normal a life, as is possible given their particular circumstances and backgrounds. “We want them to live like they would in a normal house hold, even though it might be difficult at times.” The Dolam Children’s Home provides health care and education for the children, and they have agreements with schools like Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School and A.I Steenkamp Primary school, just to name a few.

To give the children an even more well-rounded life, they have spiritual sessions where they read the Bible and pray, but they make sure they do not force a specific religion on the children. Nesindano Namises said they get most of their fund from a Trust that they have or from the “Friends of Dolam”. “Anyone can become a “Friend of Dolam” by donating in anyway that they can and even by volunteering.” She said that most of the people who volunteer with them are foreigners and that they would love to have more lcoal volunteers. She also emphasized that they need mostly volunteers who will be able to help the older children with homework, play with the younger children and in general be mentors to the children. One of the Home’s biggest challenges is lack of space. Nesindano Namises said they would love to cater for more children and for the children to have a bigger back yard, but since the Sam Nujoma Stadium was built,  they can not expand even if they want to.  “All the help we may get, be it financial, the handing over of gifts or even just time from individuals and companies, is highly appreciated” she said.