Namibia has the fourth-highest suicide rate in Africa and rated eleventh globally
The Safe Haven
WHOL
CAMPUS
A physical creative space with programming and mentorship for adolescents is in development in the heart of Namibia. It will serve as a safe haven for at risk, homeless and orphaned children to engage in science, sports, literature, theatre and the arts from ages 10 - 18.
Namibia is revealed to have the fourth highest suicide rate in Africa and studies released by the Ministry of Health and Social Services revealed depression to be the leading cause. As a native of Namibia I find it necessary to be a part of the solution. Creating opportunities and environments that expose a child born into poverty, addiction and social oppression is sometimes all that's needed to shift their perspective and change their life trajectory.
With this objective in mind, We Heart Our Lives will recruit and enroll a number of students ages 10-18 to live on an after school boarding campus, called WHOL.
The campus will be equipped with computers and tech accessories to inspire innovation and coding education, as well as a modern library with reading clubs giving them access to the best authors and minds around the world. The facility will also include state of the art features such as a performance theatre, broadcast nook, a skateboard ramps, a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts to build and develop their interpersonal and vocational skills. The facility will serve as a safe haven to explore and refine their creativity.
The campus will host volunteers from around the world who will serve as mentors, experts as well as provide cultural exposure for the kids. With year round programming Whol will redefine the way we look at after school programs and summer camps.
Financing
< 2%
of the global median of health budget is allocated to mental health in 2017
Human Resources
9
is the median number of health workers per 100,000 population
We Heart Our Lives has set out to create a stable resource in developing communities starting with Namibia.
Across the world suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29. We are here to change that.
Most young people who suffer from depression, debilitating sadness, anxiety, and grief do not feel that they have anyone to turn to for support. They are simply not aware of or connected to professional resources that could offer help.
The campus will host volunteers from around the world who will serve as mentors, experts as well as provide cultural exposure for the kids.
With year-round programming Whol will redefine the way we look at after school programs and summer camps by signing up students to be housed in a safe, loving and an educational environment while they complete their high school career.
The World Health Organization believes that “effective and evidence-based interventions can be implemented at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts.”
By joining our Global Community of volunteers to help bring back the spark of life to children in developing communities you can change lives.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to mentor WHOL campus adolescents as well as explore the beauty Namibia has to offer.
In partnership with Kamatjona volunteers will be housed in beautiful quarters in the heart of Namibia during their stay, commuting to the WHOL Campus daily.
