When Compassion Becomes Action: The Sr Wihlemine Story

There are moments in life that can truly break you, but not in a bad way. These are the moments that make you question your existence—not because you want to give up, but because you’re driven to do more, to be better.

Our visit to Muruti Thomas School, founded by the remarkable Sr Wihlemine, left an indelible mark on the hearts of the HOTA Team and revived in us a greater urge to serve.

Sr Wihlemine has shown us that you don't have to be a mother by birth to nurture and care. Through her tireless initiatives, she has become a mother to hundreds of vulnerable children in Rundu. In 2006, she established St Faustina Charity Centre in Rundu, a sanctuary for young people and women.

The aim was to help them become productive and prevent them from aimless wandering. The centre has a fully equipped sewing facility and a beautiful thatched hall. This sewing workshop has empowered women in Rundu to earn a living and become self-reliant. The centre also provides a safe haven for teenagers under Sr Wihlemine's care as they pursue secondary education nearby.

Her commitment to the community’s needs didn't stop there. Recognizing a significant gap in Sambyu—a village 28 km outside Rundu—she secured land from local leaders and established a school and centre in 2016 named Muruti Thomas. It is indeed commendable when local leaders support worthy causes. Initially a kindergarten, it was approved by the Ministry of Education in May 2023, extending from kindergarten to grade 3. Despite the lack of government funding, dedicated teachers and staff work voluntarily, driven by a shared passion.

Today, the school serves 151 children, with 86 boarding students who stay at the centre throughout the term. Remarkably, the children receive three meals a day—an incredible miracle given the lack of funding. Some orphaned children , stay permanently at the centre, where Sr Wihlemine becomes their mother, catering to all their needs. What a blessing she is to these kids!

The centre has various sustainability projects. Solar-powered boreholes provide water not only for the school but also for the surrounding community. A garden and orchard that supplies fresh vegetables and fruits, nourishing the children. A fully equipped bakery—donated by well-wishers—adds to their self-sufficiency. Though these initiatives make a difference, ongoing funding remains a challenge.

Looking ahead, Sr Wihlemine plans on finishing building the hall capable of hosting 1,000 people, generating income by renting it out for meetings and events. She also plans to expand by establishing a bigger boarding school to accommodate children from distant villages who lack access to education—a hope we eagerly support.

Watching children line up for their Sunday lunch, praying in unison, moved us beyond words. Some of us couldn't hold back tears. These young souls, full of gratitude, stand in stark contrast to those of us complaining about missing the latest gadgets or luxurious homes.  They appreciate that they are loved, fed, and have a place to call home.

It’s our duty—as individuals and communities—to support visionaries like Sr Wihlemine with financial, technical, social, and spiritual aid. Such support empowers her to fulfil her mission and continue changing lives.

Sr Wihlemine shared that the money she receives as personal gifts is saved and channelled directly into the welfare of the children at her centres. She celebrates success stories of children she has rescued from the streets—children who have turned their lives around, becoming police officers and nurses. Sr Wihlemine’s nurturing spirit extends to every corner and she is a dotting grandmother too.

Graciously, she says, "My plan is to uplift the lives of vulnerable children and women. The Bible says, 'Everything is possible for those who trust and believe in Him with all their hearts.'"

At HOTA, we are deeply committed to empowering youth and young people. We look forward to support Sr Wihlemine in her missionary work.

@HOTA Team.