Swakopmund: Speaker of the National Assembly Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has commended the work of the Ruach Elohim Foundation in providing care and protection to abandoned and vulnerable babies.
According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking during a visit to the foundation's baby house in Swakopmund, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila expressed her admiration for the organisation, particularly its baby saver box, which allows mothers to safely surrender infants instead of abandoning them. She mentioned that when she first heard about the initiative, she was deeply moved, noting that the foundation's approach aligns with her belief in assisting vulnerable people rather than condemning them.
The Speaker highlighted that the baby saver box offers an alternative rooted in care and understanding, especially for young mothers facing difficult circumstances. She emphasized that this initiative has saved infants from dire situations and given their parents, who are often children themselves, another opportunity through love. Kuugongelwa-Amadhila urged Namibians, businesses, and institutions to support similar initiatives across the country, as the Swakopmund-based facility is currently the only baby saver box in Namibia.
Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses described the foundation's work as a crucial intervention against social issues affecting young people and families. She pointed out that alcohol and drug abuse are contributing factors to incidents of baby abandonment and praised the foundation for ensuring that no life is lost. |Goagoses also announced that the Erongo Regional Development Fund, which is being revived, intends to prioritize financial assistance to the foundation.
Meanwhile, social worker Catherine du Toit explained that the organisation operates as a registered welfare organisation, child protection organisation, and residential childcare facility under the Child Care and Protection Act. The foundation provides crisis intervention, counselling services for pregnant women, and temporary shelter for abandoned and vulnerable babies.
The foundation has been functioning as a place of safety since 2018, with the baby saver box installed in 2020. Since its inception, more than 50 babies have been received through the baby saver box, and over 100 children in total have benefited from the organisation's care. Du Toit noted that 25 children have been legally adopted into permanent homes, nine have been reunited with biological family members, and two have been placed in foster care. Currently, the foundation cares for 24 children, including nine babies with special needs.