Five Rand emergency fund for residents in crisis

Armas Amwaama, a dedicated teacher and businessman in Okahandja recently initiated the Five Rand community emergency fund.

This fund is designed to provide immediate assistance to residents facing emergencies, ensuring no one is left without help in a time of need.

A dedicated committee of four additional members supports the Five Rand community emergency fund, working alongside Amwaama to ensure its smooth operation and success.

Amwaama was inspired to create this fund after numerous instances of facilitating aid for those in distress. His notable contributions include arranging surgery for a boy in need, rebuilding a house after a devastating fire, organising memorial services for a couple who passed away, and covering funeral expenses for a young child whose parents couldn't afford it.

“These experiences made me realise the importance of having a self-sustaining fund that the community can rely on, even when I'm not around,” he says, emphasising the collaborative nature of his efforts as well as acknowledging the support from organisations like the Amarok Club, Audi Club, and Shapa Kanyama.

The Five Rand community emergency fund has garnered positive responses from the community. Residents have agreed to contribute N$20 per household and N$50 per business monthly. The fund is just a month old, already boasts 200 members and has raised N$2 000. The goal is to provide timely financial support to those in need, ensuring that emergencies do not become insurmountable burdens.

A recent beneficiary of the fund was Michael Paulus, who died shortly after joining the fund. The community was able to provide his family with N$1 000 from the fund, supplemented by personal contributions from members, highlighting the fund's immediate impact.

Looking ahead, Amwaama envisions the fund growing to support other critical needs, such as sponsoring a community taxi service for urgent medical trips and providing university registration fees for deserving students.

To ensure transparency and accountability, each contributor receives a receipt for their payment.

Currently, the emergency fund committee maintains four books to record payments. There are plans to introduce a stamp for receipts and eventually develop a comprehensive database.

“We aim to create a safety net for our community, ensuring that everyone has access to support during emergencies,” Amwaama says.

His visionary approach and commitment to Five Rand have not only brought relief to many but have also inspired others to join in building a stronger, more resilient community.