‘Zumba girls’ help keep a ‘sister’ in school

“Who runs the world? - Girls!”

Beyoncé is right. At least when it comes to helping a sister in need. That’s what happened last weekend in Windhoek. Even Beyoncé played a role, albeit a small one...

Working Nation Banner Ndilimeke Theresia Kayinda attends Grade 10 at Hage Geingob Secondary School. But her congenital disease known as spina bifida (split spine) makes it difficult for her to keep up in class. Because of this condition, she cannot control her lower body. So, she needs nappies, which her parents can’t always afford. No nappies, no lessons.

Onai Mutizwa is a Zumba instructor and founder of Zumba by Onai. From time to time, she dedicates her Zumba classes to charity events. For ­example, in November 2020, her Zumbathon raised N$3 000 for the Cancer Association of Namibia.

Onai found out about Theresia through Samuel Kapepo who runs Kapepo’s Soup Kitchen, feeding children around Katutura. He approached her and asked for nappy donations for Theresia and pads for other girls. In light of this, Onai came up with the idea of hosting a Zumbathon to collect these special donations.

Last Saturday, Zumba by Onai invited Zumba enthusiasts to dance for a good cause. Dozens came, danced and donated. To her surprise, some even donated without enjoying the free class. Lots of packs of nappies and pads were donated, along with N$2 100 in cash which Onai used to buy more nappies.

A big thank you goes to the Zumba Girls who danced and/or donated to this worthy cause.

And Beyoncé? Oh, yes, she was there too, sort of: one of the songs on the Zumbathon’s playlist was “Run the world (Girls)”. Not only did it provide the appropriate motto, but it also added to the Zumba dance fun!