ANSA International Program Blog

                     I met Linda over a cup of tea at a local cafe in March 2007.  We talked for three hours about her dreams of training teachers, health promoters and village leaders on nutrition and HIV/health in Namibia...if only she could find the funding.  And with just a little more funding, she was sure could put together the first ever National Nutrition Awareness Week so people all over Namibia could begin to realize the link between nutrition and health. 

This certainly seemed like a good investment for ANSA.

Three months and $2500 later, Linda had a 68-page Train the Trainers manual written and a 32-page Participant's Guide to go along with it.  She held the first of three regional week-long trainings on nutrition and HIV/health in July and within another month over 210 health promoters in northern Namibia had been trained.  In October, Namibia had its first National Nutrition Awareness Week; national politicians and local community leaders alike showed up to promote awareness and education at 13 centers around the country as radio spots promoted healthy eating messages over the airways. 

Linda had a tremendous compassion for all people and worked with a spirited desire to affect change.  Today, an overwhelming number of non-profits in Namibia and bordering countries use Linda's trainings to teach clients, staff and community about nutrition and health.  Her legacy reaches far and wide.

Linda died last week following a horseback riding accident in Uganda, where she had gone to work for the World Food Program.  She was 29 years old.  Penduka, one of the many non-profits impacted by Linda's work, has already named their community garden in her honor.  A fitting remembrance, and likely not the last one we'll see. 

It was an privilege to know Linda and to support her tireless efforts.  We honor her memory as we continue her work advancing good health and nutrition in Namibia and throughout Africa.

Peace to all...Mary