Da Silva’s Passion for Helping the Youth

As a way of giving back to the community, Jackson Peuyelenga Felisberto (30), known as Da Silva, is opening a children’s feeding programme in his home town, Ondangwa.

The motivated, disciplined and God-fearing young man says Da Silva Northern Charity Feed a Child Soup Kitchen will start operating by the end of next month, and is set to benefit more than 300 vulnerable children.

“The soup kitchen will be operating from my village in Omahenene, Ondangwa. I have observed most adolescents in my location going hungry, looking neglected and hanging out in the streets,” says Da Silva.

The plight of disadvantaged children touched his heart, and he hopes to help improve their future by providing meals which can help them cope better at school.

The funds for the soup kitchen will be generated from his company, DG Events and Promotions CC.

“I want to feed and provide healthier lives, be it physically, mentally and socially for them to become better people in the society. I see potential in them. They can be our future doctors, engineers, lawyers and other brighter callings,” says Da Silva.

The soup kitchen’s main aim is to feed children up to the age of 14.

“These are the children that really cannot help themselves in finding food. However older children who are very much in need can be considered as well,” he said.

The scheme aims to feed children who go to schools in the town, and surrounding area, which he estimates has seven schools.

“We intend to feed the children twice a day, starting with breakfast before they go to school. This means that every morning all children living nearby, and who are registered, will receive their meal before heading to school. Lunch boxes will also be provided containing bread, a snack, juice and an egg.”

There will also be a lunch menu after school with energy-boosting food such as potatoes, rice, porridge, fish.

“We expect all children to come with their school bags during lunchtime, in order to help them do their homework,” he said.

Da Silva says that some parents do not have time to help children do their home work, and that some parents do not understand the importance of helping their children with their homework.

Apart from that, the feeding programme will include sports like soccer, netball, and athletics, as well as cultural activities.

“We will also have reading programmes for all the children.”

A Heart for Children

Da Silva’s passion for nurturing children was sparked in 2016 when he initiated the Back to School Road Show programme with Namibian musician Exit, which took place in the Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati regions.

He says the back to school programme aims to motivate children to study very hard and make use of their time in school wisely, in order to become better people in society.

“During this programme, we donated school uniforms, stationery and paid hostel fees for those who could not afford them. I have also donated school books to the learners in more than 25 schools in the northern part of the country,” he said. Da Silva grew up in Oukwanyama in the Okatope village and attended Mandume Primary School in the Ohangwena region. He later moved to Gobabis in Omaheke region, before transferring to Omutwewondjaba Combined school in Eenyika Village.

He completed his high school career at Ponhofi Senior Secondary School in the Ohangwena region.

“Secondary school opened my eyes and I could say it’s where I developed my love and passion to help others,” says Da Silva. He says he lives to inspire fellow Namibian youth, especially the boys and girls of his generation. He also strives to lead by example in all spheres of life while creating a safe and conducive environment, as well as making his location and home town a better and safer place for all.

• Pinehas Nakaziko