Family of Hope Services: Where second chances begin

Family of Hope Services (FHS) is working to address education gaps and create opportunities for children, youth and families facing difficult circumstances in Havana, Windhoek.

Founded in 2008 by Jennifer Gatsi and Abigail Bachopi, FHS was established to support children who have never attended school or have dropped out, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to return to government schools.

Programme manager Foibe Silvanus said the organisation’s work is centred on giving young people opportunities to build better futures. “Our goal is to empower young people and help them become self-reliant,” she says.

The organisation currently has 520 children registered in its database.

Operating mainly from Monday to Friday, with some Saturday activities, FHS supports orphans and vulnerable children, their families and youth through early childhood development and academic support. They also offer psychosocial support, parental workshops, community awareness programmes and a feeding programme.

FHS also runs a bicycle workshop that provides young people with practical mechanical skills.

“Skills such as bicycle mechanics, business administration and financial literacy can help young people create their own opportunities,” Silvanus explains. The organisation also provides gardening skills, career days, mentorship and goal-setting activities.

The impact of this work can be seen in the story of Daniel Immanuel, who had never attended school until the age of 14. Growing up with his grandmother in northern Namibia, he helped look after neighbours’ cattle before being introduced to FHS in 2008.

Through the organisation’s learning support, Daniel developed his English and mathematics skills before entering a government school. He passed his Grade 7 examination, completed high school and eventually pursued university studies. Today, he is completing his social work internship at the University of Namibia.

“FHS changed his life, and he regarded it as a foundation for his future,” Silvanus says of Daniel’s experience.

Growth

Despite its impact, FHS faces challenges including limited funding for utilities, staff allowances, food and educational resources. More families are also seeking assistance than the organisation can currently accommodate.

“Sometimes we have more children and parents looking for support, but we simply cannot cater for everyone,” Silvanus says.

Support from organisations such as Imago Dei, Lithon Foundation, Cotton Foundation and individual donors has helped sustain its work, while volunteers contribute skills ranging from tutoring and social media to arts and crafts.

Future for Children and Travel with Marie also support the organisation.

Looking ahead, FHS hopes to establish an accredited vocational training programme for youth aged 15 to 17 and register its remedial programme as a private school for children with special educational needs.

“We want to continue offering a safe space where children and youth can study, learn, be uplifted and grow,” Silvanus says.

For FHS, the long-term goal is clear: “Teach young people skills and provide mentorship so they can manage their own growth instead of depending on handouts or government support.”