The rise in criminal activity in Namibia is significant – on the one hand, this is reported by the country’s newspapers, and on the other hand, we experience it at our locations. Particularly in Namibia’s capital Windhoek , the situation is critical.
Reasons for the rising crime in Namibia
After 6 years of recession, a heavily over-indebted state with correspondingly lower government spending, and many businesses that have had to close or lay off some of their employees, as well as tourism not yet fully up and running, unemployment and therefore poverty have increased significantly, particularly among people in informal settlements.
Among other reasons, crime in Namibia has increased significantly in recent months. Nowadays, almost every day Namibian newspapers report on break-ins and, unfortunately, rapes of both minors and adult women. These reports deeply shock us, and we do everything we can to ensure that the young female students living alone in Windhoek get safely to their educational institutions and back home – and nowadays this is usually only guaranteed by a taxi. Since the small private taxis are also becoming increasingly unsafe and require multiple changes, we have now commissioned a driver to make the daily trips from the shared accommodation to the various universities and educational institutions.
Crime does not stop at steps either.
The rise in criminal activity has not passed steps for children by either. Our female students studying in Windhoek and living in the Namibian capital for more than a year are still shocked: A few weeks ago, two men broke into the apartment of the 19- and 20-year-old girls and robbed them – laptops, a printer, mobile phones and all their money were stolen. After this first robbery, everyone was physically more or less okay, and the break-in was even reported and the burglars identified by the students. However, another attempted break-in two weeks later was a sign that they could no longer feel safe – despite new locks, bars in front of doors and windows, as well as further security measures. Immediate precautions were taken to ensure their safety at another protected location. But the trauma remains.
Vandalism
In addition, we experienced vandalism on our project properties last year, meaning that fences and walls as well as security cameras had to be installed to prevent further misuse of the premises. Two projects were broken into, and money, computers and a laptop were stolen. Everywhere, we have to strengthen our security measures, install cameras and ensure safe travel routes, not only for the female students.
Provide assistance
Normally, for example, transport costs to the universities are covered by the fees of the steps students. But not the driver that has now become necessary, nor the additional security measures in the projects.
However, a small additional contribution towards the taxi costs now incurred daily to guarantee the young women’s safety or to increase security measures would help.
Make a donation now for special security needs.
