Enginie: Breaking Cycles, Building Futures
At 25, Enginie, a single mother of two from Katutura, Windhoek, is no stranger to hardship. Growing up in an overcrowded household with an unemployed, disabled mother, and surrounded by extended family members who were also jobless, she faced mounting responsibilities from a young age. Her dreams of finishing school were cut short when she had to drop out in Grade 10 due to pregnancy and economic pressure at home.
Despite the odds, Enginie refused to give up. She enrolled in the Lidar Community Foundation’s six-week skills training program, where she gained valuable practical skills, attended ongoing SRHR workshops, and found emotional support that helped her rebuild her confidence.
With her newfound strength and knowledge, and through Lidar’s employment partnership with Gondwana Collection Namibia, Enginie secured a job as a General Assistant at Namibia2Go — Gondwana’s mobility and car rental service. She now works proudly at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and the Gondwana Head Office, serving customers and helping operations run smoothly.
Her journey from struggle to stability has been life-changing:
“Thanks to Lidar, I can now support my children and take care of my family. Lidar gave me the strength to see beyond my situation and find purpose again.”
Enginie encourages other young mothers not to be discouraged by their circumstances or education level:
“At Lidar, there is a place for everyone. It is a safe haven — free of discrimination and full of opportunities.”
A clear photo shows Enginie at Lidar Graduation — standing tall, confident, and full of hope. Her story is a reminder that with the right support, young mothers like her can break generational cycles and build brighter futures.
