Abigail Kimm: A Journey from Hardship to Hope
At just 20 years old, Abigail Kimm, a mother of three boys, has already faced more than most in a lifetime. Originally from Mariental in the Hardap Region, she moved to Windhoek in search of a better life. Instead, she found herself living in one of Windhoek’s informal settlements under extremely harsh conditions — without electricity, running water, or a job to support her children. With no means to survive, she was forced to send two of her sons to live with relatives of their father.
Abigail dropped out of school during primary years due to instability at home and later became trapped in an abusive relationship. But everything began to change when she joined the Lidar Community Foundation. Through Lidar, she received baking and cookery training in a six-week empowerment program, attended SRHR workshops, and received counseling and referrals to a GBV Centre and social workers who helped her escape the cycle of abuse.
Thanks to Lidar’s ongoing employment partnership with Gondwana Collection Namibia, Abigail was placed as a Housekeeper at Namib Desert Lodge, where she now works proudly and independently.
Today, Abigail has regained her confidence, is financially supporting her family, and is looking forward to a better future. In her own words:
“I encourage more women like me to join the Lidar program. No matter your education background, there is a place for you. Lidar is a safe haven without discrimination — a supportive space where every young mother can find hope.”
A photo of Abigail in her lodge uniform shows her smiling confidently, a young woman who has turned pain into purpose — and is determined to keep growing.