The Mopane Tree

Website: https://themopanetree.co.uk/

This charity arose out of the Horwich & Rivington churches link to local churches in Namibia, which has been supporting rural communities in Northern Namibia for almost 30 years. The charity was formalized and set up in February 2025. It is based in Wigan (WN6 0XB). Since then, fund-raising has accelerated.

The focus is on communities in the northern part of the Omusati region of northern Namibia. Living conditions for these very poor rural communities are very challenging. Unemployment can be as high as 85%. Drought conditions prevail most of the year and many people do not have any access to clean water, electricity, good housing or sanitation.

The charity aims to help by supporting local schools because good education will form a gateway out of poverty over time. Support is currently focussed on three: Okathitu Combined School, Onangholo Combined School and Tjihozu Combined School. The priority is helping to establish gardens at the schools to provide nourishing food for the children so they can concentrate better and to improve attendance and learning outcomes. It also supports churches and kindergartens.

The charity has previously directly helped local communities, including in Okathitu and Ruacana, by providing food and solar lighting. It has helped set up small business enterprises providing employment for local people and boosting the local economy.

Aims:

  1. To alleviate poverty for the benefit of the communities living in the northern part of the Omusati Region of Namibia.
  2. To advance education within the schools and kindergartens in the northern part of the Omusati Region of Namibia.
  3. To advance the Christian religion for the benefit of the communities living in the northern part of the Omusati Region of Namibia.

From the website: “We are passionate about the power of the local churches to transform lives by introducing people to the good news of Jesus. We continue to work with the local churches and to support them in their growth and ministry.” This website covers the Manchester Diocese link to the Diocese of Namibia.

Contact details

Charity number: 1212117.