Feature: Namibian mother struggling to keep children in school

On a cold winter morning, in the Havana informal settlement on the outskirts of Namibian capital, Windhoek, Annatolia Asser looks on as her eight-year-old daughter and younger sons takes their morning meal. It's a soft porridge on the menu.

"Today is a school holiday, afforded for the commemoration of the Day of the African Child," said Asser as she explains why the children are at home and not at school.

"They are having porridge. I do not have much to offer them. I must still find my way to get food for the reminder of the day and month ahead," said Asser, an unemployed mother of three.

"I am unemployed. The fathers are not supportive. I have to find ways on how to feed my children," she said.

According to Asser, the flour from which the porridge and pap is made was sent by relatives from back home in the northern part of the country. "With the drought and poor yields, I don't how we will get food," she said.

More than anything, she is afraid that with the food insecurity at hand, her children may not have adequate nutrition and may not develop to their full potential which may affect their school performance.

Data shows that in Namibia, almost one out of every three Namibian children under the age of five are malnourished or stunted.

"But at least during the school days, my children are guaranteed a meal offered through the Namibia School Feeding Programme," Asser shared with Xinhua.

The daily meal of maize blend and protein offered at Havana Primary School where the Asser's three children attends school has come as a relief for her.

"At least I know that my children has something to eat each school day. It also lessens the worry," she said. "Not only that, but I would like to ensure my children stay in school. School is hope for a better future and a good environment far from social ills." Endi