Erongo Governor Neville Andre emphasized the importance of addressing social issues related to mental health as a crucial step towards fostering stronger collaborations and creating safer communities. He called for collective action from society, including the government, businesses, community leaders, and private citizens, to combat issues like emotional abuse, physical violence, and postpartum depression—problems that are often faced in silence by individuals.
Governor Andre made these remarks during the launch of the Shahula Foundation at Walvis Bay on Saturday. The foundation’s mission is to create a long-term impact by implementing prevention strategies, building support networks, and raising awareness about the various layers of abuse and mental health challenges that affect individuals and communities.
The non-profit organization featured a series of personal accounts from individuals who shared their life experiences, describing how they navigated through traumatic events and offering motivation to others in the community. The event’s theme, “His and Her Story Matters,” sought to encourage a culture of open dialogue and understanding.
“Tonight is a statement that we refuse to be silent in the face of pain, suffering, and injustice. It is a commitment to building a region where every man, woman, and child feels safe, supported, and valued. In the Erongo region, as in the rest of Namibia, the scourge of domestic violence remains a hard reality. Reports from the police show that cases of gender-based violence are consistently among the most common crimes in our region. Behind every number is a story: a broken home, a shattered dream, a lost soul trying to find their way back,” Governor Andre said.
The Shahula Foundation’s mission is to restore hope, rebuild confidence, and support individuals on their journeys toward healing, self-empowerment, and a future where no one suffers in silence.
Justine Amadhila, the founder of the Shahula Foundation, highlighted the need for society to show people that they matter, especially in a world where many are weighed down by mental health challenges.
“This foundation exists for men and women, for the boy child and the girl child, and for every individual, regardless of age, who has experienced domestic violence, emotional abuse, postpartum depression, or the overwhelming weight of mental health challenges,” Amadhila said. “We are here for those who feel they have lost themselves, and for those who are still trying to find their way back home to themselves. The Shahula Foundation was created to become a safe space where healing is not a privilege, but a right, where no one is left behind, and every story is respected and held with compassion.”
The Shahula Foundation plans to offer a wide range of services, including safe housing for individuals and families escaping abuse, a mother-baby bond program for postpartum healing, legal advocacy to help survivors navigate the justice system, mental health support and counseling, skills development, and financial empowerment programs.
The foundation’s creation marks a significant step in providing support and fostering an environment of healing, safety, and empowerment for those in need.
