Education, Nutrition, Health and Safety to 60 kids

WELCOME TO MAMMADU
Like every year, the Mammadu family is renewed! Some of our older children have left Mammadu to pursue different careers for family or academic reasons. For Mammadu, it's always a two-faced moment. On the one hand, it's sad to see them leave, but on the other, there's the joy of knowing that our children are facing adulthood, strengthened by their growth at Mammadu. But with every ending comes a new beginning, and the doors of Mammadu have opened wide to seven new children. We are delighted to welcome Treasure, Wilka, Jordan, Brave (Nabot), Pinky, Selma, and Jane. They all live in the Otjomuise neighborhood and attend Grade 1 of the primary school.

MY FIRST WEEKS AT UNIVERSITY
Starting university has been an exciting and life-changing experience for me. Moving to South Africa and beginning my studies has opened a completely new chapter in my life. Everything—from the campus environment to meeting students from different backgrounds—has been both inspiring and motivating.
At North-West University (NWU), I have been adjusting to university life step by step. The academic environment is quite different from high school, and it requires more discipline and independence. I spend a lot of time attending lectures, studying, and learning how to manage my time effectively. It has been challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding.
One thing I really enjoy about university is the opportunity to meet new people and learn from others. Students here come from many different places, which makes the experience even richer. I have also been exploring the campus and the town of Potchefstroom, which has a very welcoming student atmosphere.
Beyond academics, I have also taken part in student activities. I joined the First Year Canvas event, where students work together creatively to represent their residences. I had the opportunity to participate as the lead artist for our residence’s canvas, which was a very exciting experience. It allowed me to collaborate with other students, express creativity, and contribute to something that represented our residence community.
Outside of academics and campus activities, I make sure to take care of my health and stay active. I regularly go to the gym and try to maintain a healthy routine while balancing my studies. This helps me stay focused and energized.
Thank you for believing in me and being part of this journey.

HOW MAMMADU SHAPED MY LIFE OVER THE YEARS
I have been part of Mammadu since I was six years old, and over the years, it has completely changed who I am. Mammudu is a non-profit organization that supports vulnerable and orphaned children, and for me, it became more than just a place to go, it became a home where I could grow.
When I first joined, I was very shy and unsure of myself. I struggled to speak up and often felt like my opinions did not matter because people around me did not really listen. I was not confident, and I never imagined myself as someone who could stand in front of others and share ideas.
As the years went by, Mammadu slowly helped shape my character. It was a place where people truly cared. I was encouraged to speak, to share my thoughts, and to believe that my voice was important. That support helped me build a strong personality and gain confidence I never had before.
Mammadu also played a big role in my education. Because of the opportunities I received, I was able to attend private schools and successfully finish high school. Being in a new environment helped me discover new hobbies and interests, and I began to see myself in a different light.
One of the most impactful experiences for me was being part of the junior council. It taught me leadership skills and gave me the chance to give back to my community. I learned how to work with others, take responsibility, and make a positive difference.
Looking back, I cannot imagine my life without Mammadu. From a shy six-year-old to a confident and driven individual, my journey shows how much my character has changed over the years. Mammadu did not just support me, it helped me become the person I am today.

NOW WE ARE 63 CHILDREN… AND ONE DOG!
A brief summary of what happened to us since we reopened after the Christmas break:1. Our copper water pipes were stolen again; copper is currently one of the most popular conveniences here. Obviously, thieves don't turn off the water before removing the pipes, so the water leak was perhaps the biggest blow.2. Due to all the rain these past few weeks, we've had electrical damage and had to redo part of the system, bypassing the damaged section.At this point I was thinking, "Okay, another cataclysm is coming," and it has arrived, but this time in a positive way!A puppy who simply chose us as his new home.It arrived just like that, entering through the open gate, and after the first few times we tried to put it back out and it always went back in, we decided to keep it.We were chosen!Female, small, thin, of an indefinable breed or perhaps of every breed in the world, hungry, dirty, but extremely affectionate and loves children.She (a female) was named Madu (Mammadu was too long).Janine, a dear friend of mine and president of NAWA Namibian Animal Welfare Association  offered, through Nawa, to care for Madu with vaccinations, other medical care, and sterilization, so that Madu would not impact our budget but would be healthy and suitable for living with many children. She also provided Free lessons for children and teens on how to behave properly around a dog.This dog has truly brought so much joy and even more love to Mammadu; the children love her, and it's mutual.They're always together and play together; if the kids are in class, she waits outside or falls asleep. Now she even has her own collar, but it's actually a cat collar because I couldn't find a tiny dog collar in her size.So now at Mammadu, we have 63 children and one dog!