The Gamechangers programme at the MTC Dome has become an escape for several street children in Swakopmund.

The programme, which is part of the Authentic Entrepreneurs Programme by the MTC Dome and Swakopmund Municipality, assists and equips upcoming entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to start businesses.

It was inititated in 2021 and also currently assists about 21 street children through sports activities.

In an interview with Nampa, MTC Dome Chief Executive officer (CEO) Fanus Engelbrecht said Gamechangers was a results of one of the Dome’s visions, which is to unlock true potential.

“Our main aim is to unlock anyone’s potential and we see it within the kids, which is why we are passionate to work with them. These kids are not street kids to us and therefore they are not a charity case. We want them to come in and play sports, which teaches them discipline and strengthens their character, and this is what the Dome is about,” Engelbrecht said.

He further noted that they plan to add more sports codes to the programme, which will hopefully help them connect more with the children and keep them off the streets.

“We will also be introducing a nursery project where we will teach the children how to plant their own food and be sustainable.”

The programme is led by Salvation Katjinamunene, who lived on the streets himself.

Katjinamunene, a trainee of the Authentic Entrepreneurs Programme, now ows a dustbin cleaning service. He said his inspiration comes from his personal experiences.

“I was there, I have been in these kids’ shoes and I know what it feels like to be on the streets and not have a sense of direction. We want to use this platform for the kids to one day also become someone, perhaps even entrepreneurs,” he said.

Humpy Jakobs who is 13 years old, said the programme has helped him stay off the streets and avoid begging for money and stealing as they are fed and it helps keep him occupied.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency