As part of our celebration of UN Day on 24 October, the United Nations Namibia staff members undertook four community outreach activities. The first activity led by UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Rachel Odede and UNDP Namibia Representative a.i. Izumi Morota-Alakija, and the Ministry of Education spent the morning with children and teachers at Humble Care Centre, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Goreangab.

Staff members planted trees and donated books and toys to the children. Trees filter and regulate water supplies, while providing habitats and food for many animals. Through UNDP’s extensive work at global, national and regional levels, UNDP acknowledges that tackling climate change must be central to efforts to reduce poverty and sustain development.

The second activity, led by WHO Representative, Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses and the UNAIDS Representative Dr. Thacisse Barihuta saw the UN system in Namibia also visiting the Central Hospital Children's Cancer Ward for #UNDay. Staff members spent time playing with the children and having a healthy snack. Educational books and toys were donated and learners from the St Paul's College who volunteer every Wednesday also took part in the programme.

The third activity, led by Ms. Dennia Gayle, UNFPA Representative, saw the UN system in Namibia co-hosting the ‘United Nations Day 2018 Commemoration’ at IUM Main Campus-Dorado Park. The collaboration comes as a result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation that was recently signed between IUM and the UNDP. Our staff members shared information with IUM's leadership and students about the UN's work in Namibia, and encouraged the youth to use their voices to bring about positive change to ensure that no one is left behind in Namibia.

Finally, we also visited the Katutura Old Age Home as part of our UN Day celebrations. Our team shared information about the UN, planted mango trees, socialised with the residents and listened to their inspiring stories.