Tabuk:Speaking at the foundation's 11th annual fundraising soiree, Executive Chairperson Monica Geingos announced that the One Economy Foundation has faced a 25% funding shortfall this year. Despite this financial pressure, the foundation has been able to maintain all 21 of its programmes.

According to NAMPA, Geingos highlighted that the organisation had to reduce staff positions due to the funding challenges. She emphasized the importance of donor and corporate partner support during these difficult times influenced by global financial challenges.

Geingos explained that the foundation employs a blended financing model. This model combines fundraising events, raffle ticket sales, grants, partnerships with government ministries, and contributions from private-sector organisations to ensure sustainability and accountability while demonstrating measurable social impact.

The foundation focuses on youth development, entrepreneurship support, and healthcare services, aiming to address socioeconomic inequalities and connect communities to opportunities. Geingos stressed the urgency of investing in Namibia's youth, with over 71% of the population being under the age of 35, to prevent exacerbating social challenges such as gender-based violence.

Geingos also emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the second economy, where 90% of the population exists, and the first economy, to provide greater financial opportunities to the disadvantaged. Furthermore, she advocated for increased involvement of private sector professionals in public service to help tackle complex national challenges.

She noted that the foundation's partnership with government ministries, including education and health, had been crucial in supporting its operations and community outreach. The event, themed 'Rooted in purpose. The network of possibilities,' aimed to raise funds and brought together government representatives, businesses, and donors. Geingos expressed gratitude to supporters and encouraged them to visit the foundations facilities to witness the impact of their contributions.