The HIV/AIDS, Disability, Vulnerability, Orphans Organisation (HIV/AIDS D.V.O) is calling on the goodwill of concerned members of the Namibian public to donate money towards the plight of innocent school children who are forced to carry chairs from home for use during school lessons.

There are several factors which have led to the situation of some government schools in rural areas to lack such basic necessities as chairs, tables, textbooks and other teaching aids.

But the HIV/AIDS D.V.O has decided to pitch in and look for ways to address the situation for the benefit of the youngsters affected by the situation instead of sitting down and just blame the government or anyone else while the children’s future continue to be put in danger.

“With so much great concern I have taken up the initiative of being the voice of the voiceless under our HIV/AIDS Disability, Vulnerability and Orphans organization. School children in the Northern parts of Namibia and Zambezi region carry chairs to school every single day which I believe is very wrong,” says Otilie Hatwiikulipi, Khomas Region’s representative for HIV/AIDS D.V.O.

“These children are our future leaders and don’t deserve to study with this burden, so if we all come together and put the little we have together it can make a huge difference. I am calling out to all Good Samaritans out there to contribute as little as 30 Namibia Dollars or more to raise funds so that our organization can buy and donate chairs for these schools. At our organisation we believe that you rise by lifting others.”

Ms Hatwiikulipi told Omutumwa that her organisation was moved to action after seeing media reports of the desperate situation of some schools. “After the donations have come in we will prepare a press release to acknowledge those who assisted as well as to reveal the names of the beneficiary schools.”

The HIV/AIDS D.V.O is based in Grootfontein, with representatives in eight regions, namely, Khomas, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, Kavango East, Zambezi, Omaheke, Oshana and Erongo. Its founder and chairperson is Ms Angela Haiputa.

Donations may be deposited in the organisation’s bank account: HIV/AIDS D.V.O Project, Account no. 62270761945, Grootfontein Branch, First National Bank. Hatwiikulipi can be reached at +264812916294.

IN THE PHOTO: Since the school has failed to provide this schoolboy with a chair, he carries his own chair from home everyday.