A community-based welfare organization, Restoration Community Development Organization (RECODEC) was registered (registration number WO.242) in Windhoek on the 19th May 2005. RECODEC will focus on providing pre-primary to adult education, counseling and health care services that comprised general health issues, including HIV/AIDS, for the needy in our communities, especially those from low income groups. Consequently, it is envisaged that the provision of these services will have a direct and positive effect on the well - being of children and women in our communities.

RECODEC was established by concerned members of the community to:

• Alleviate illiteracy problem
• Address the escalating unemployment
• Create awareness on the impact of domestic violence to household stability
• Fight the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the community

Hundreds of youths and children are roaming the streets because of unemployment and instability in their homes. Adults found recourse in alcohol and drug abuse as a coping strategy. This inherently leads to a vicious cycle of poverty and dependency on drugs and distort household income. There is inherent linkage between drug abuse and domestic violence. People who engage in drugs are prone to abuse their spouses and children and stand a high risk of contracting the HIV/AIDS virus as they engage in multiple sexual relationships.

RECODEC will seek meaningful partnerships with relevant institutions such as the Ministries of:

• The Ministry of Health and Social Services
• Gender Equality and Child Welfare
• The Ministry of Basic Education
• Ministry of Labor
• Ministry of Justice
• City of Windhoek
• United Nations Development Program
• UNAIDS
• UNICEF
• Diplomatic missions
• First Lady’s Office
• Corporate entities
• Political leaders

RECODEC will utilize both professional (teachers, nurses, counselors, etc.) and non-professional volunteers from the community. Each volunteer will be expected to successfully complete a training program on counseling and or elementary pre-school and adult education teaching methods before participating. Volunteers, who demonstrate proficiency during the initial training program, will be invited to participate in an advanced training program focusing on effective counseling techniques. Each volunteer will be expected to contribute 3-5 hours each week as well as continue with RECODEC for a period of not less than 6 months.

RECODEC has a five-year plan for the full implementation of the project and the establishment of all its planned structures. The main aim is to restore the dignity of individuals through counseling sessions and to physically meet their needs through the provision of training and start up capital through a low interest micro - lending scheme to enable them to start income-generating projects while the school will help with the education of children. The implementation will be done in phases.

RECODEC will operate with 6 full and part time staff members. In addition, a Governing Board made up of community leaders and staff will be nominated to provide overall policy direction and sanction the Center's operation. Periodic evaluations will be conducted to assess the impact of RECODEC on:

a) Helping the volunteers become effective educators,

b) The development of new insights on issues relating the raising of children on the part of local mothers, and

c) The improvement of the well-being of parents and children in the communities.