A Soldier Father Trying to Build a Better Life for My Son*

A Soldier Father Trying to Build a Better Life for My Son*

My name is Benyamin Johannes. I am from Windhoek, Namibia. I am a Lance Corporal in the Namibian Defence Force, and I am a father to a young son.

I work every day, but life has not been easy for me. From my salary, most of my money goes to loan deductions every month. After all the deductions, I am left with only N$ 4,243 to take care of my son, buy food, pay for transport and survive the whole month. By the middle of the month, the money is finished. I am tired of living like this.

I do not want to keep borrowing money to survive. I want to build something of my own so I can take care of my son and pay off my debts.

That is why I want to start three small businesses that will support each other.

First, I want to start a taxi business. A taxi will give me money every day in Windhoek, not only at month end. That daily income will help me buy food and pay my loans faster.

Second, I want to start poultry farming. I will start with chickens for eggs and meat. Eggs sell every day, and this will give me a steady income for my son’s school needs.

Third, I want to open a small restaurant. I will use my own chickens from the poultry farm and my own taxi to transport stock. This way the three businesses will help each other, and I will have three incomes instead of depending on loans.

My goal is N$ 60,000.

N$ 35,000 will go to a deposit, papers and insurance for a second-hand taxi. N$ 15,000 will go to chickens, feed and a small coop. N$ 10,000 will go to pots, gas, tables and starting stock for the restaurant.

If I only raise enough for the taxi, I will start with the taxi first and show you. If I raise more, I will move to the poultry and then the restaurant, and I will post photos and receipts so you can see where your money went.

I am not asking for a handout to eat today. I am asking for a chance to stand on my own feet and give my son a better future.

Even N$ 50 or N$ 100 will help me. If you cannot donate, please share this story.

Thank you for believing in me and for helping a father who is trying his best not to give up.

Benyamin Johannes
Windhoek, Namibia