Steps towards a
self-determined future
steps for children creates opportunities for children and young adults in Namibia and Zimbabwe - through access to education, training and support on the way to a self-determined life.
How we help
We empower children and young adults in southern Africa to overcome poverty through education and training, secure sustainable incomes and strive for long-term independence from donations.

Soup kitchen
One hot meal a day

Kindergartens
Support for children aged 3-5 years

Agricultural project
Gemüseanbau für die Suppenküchen und zum Verkauf

Guest houses
Accommodation for travelers

Guardian Angel program
Umfassende Unterstützung von Schüler:innen

steps students
Umfassende Unterstützung von Auszubildenden und Studierenden

steps homes
Support for orphans

Trainee Home
Rooms for students in Gobabis

Afternoon care
Support after school

Chicken breeding
Supported by solar incubator
Our locations
Our local project work aims to bring about long-term change - with education, support and social entrepreneurial thinking.
Becoming independent of donations!
Our locations in Namibia and Zimbabwe focus on sustainable approaches: We promote local initiatives, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and create prospects for local people. Small steps lead to effective change - supported by education, commitment and a strong sense of community. This enables people to build up their own sources of income in the long term and reduce dependencies.
Becoming independent of donations!
Our locations in Namibia and Zimbabwe focus on sustainable approaches: We promote local initiatives, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and create prospects for local people. Small steps lead to effective change - supported by education, commitment and a strong sense of community. This enables people to build up their own sources of income in the long term and reduce dependencies.
Becoming independent of donations!
Our locations in Namibia and Zimbabwe focus on sustainable approaches: We promote local initiatives, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and create prospects for local people. Small steps lead to effective change - supported by education, commitment and a strong sense of community. This enables people to build up their own sources of income in the long term and reduce dependencies.
Otavi
Social steps
- steps homes
- Guardian Angel program
Okakarara
Social steps
- Crèche, kindergarten, preschool
- Afternoon care
- Soup kitchen
- Guardian Angel program
Income-generating steps
- Sewing workshop
- Guest house
- Vegetable cultivation
Okahandja
Social steps
- Kindergarten, preschool
- Soup kitchen
- second chance
- Afternoon care
- Guardian Angel program
Income-generating steps
- Chicken breeding with solar incubator (now handed over to the employees of Ileni T.)
Windhoek
Social steps
- Kindergarten, preschool
- Soup kitchen
Gobabis
Social steps
- Soup kitchen (Light for the Children)
- Crèche (steps/LftC), kindergarten (steps/LftC),
Preschool (steps/LftC) - Afternoon care (steps)
- Guardian Angel Program (steps)
- steps homes (steps)
Income-generating steps
- Guest house
Rehoboth
Social steps
- Crèche, kindergarten, preschool
- Soup kitchen
- Afternoon care
- Guardian Angel program
Income-generating steps
- Rental apartments
Mutare
Social steps
- InfrastructureConstruction of 4 ECCD centers with school building, separate toilets, well and garden
- Early support: Play equipment such as swings and climbing frames
- Child protection: Events on education, protection and birth registration with 175 participants
- Water access3 wells provide drinking water and irrigation for the vegetable gardens
- Hygiene: Clean water improves hygiene and prevents diseases
- Health: Health checks for 70 children, hygiene education in communities
- Effect192 children now attend the 4 pre-school centers
Income-generating steps
- Poultry farming with solar incubator
- Vegetable cultivation
Mutasa
Social steps
- Infrastructure: Construction of 4 ECCD centers with school building, separate toilets, well and garden
- Early support: play equipment such as swings and climbing frames
- Child protection: events on parenting, protection and birth registration with 175 participants
- Water access: 3 wells provide drinking water and irrigation for the vegetable gardens
- Hygiene: Clean water improves hygiene and prevents diseases
- Health: Health checks for 70 children, hygiene education in communities
- Impact: 192 children now attend the 4 pre-school centers
Participate and experience
There are many ways to support girls and boys in Namibia - locally with expertise and commitment or from Germany as an individual, school or company.




Participation in Namibia and Germany
Whether in our education centers in Okakarara, Gobabis, Rehoboth and Okahandja or from Germany - anyone who contributes their time and skills makes a valuable contribution. Volunteers provide local support with education, meals and leisure activities and give children support and prospects. At the same time, commitment in Germany is also indispensable: it strengthens the further development of our projects and helps to sustainably promote the future of children and young people in Namibia - especially in places where poverty and HIV/Aids characterize life.
Donations
Every donation counts. Help with the financial support of your choice - give children in Namibia or Zimbabwe a future now with a contribution of your choice.

About us
What began with a vision in Namibia is now a multi-award-winning foundation with a strong impact. Find out more about our founder, our goals and what we stand for. We value transparency and thank our partners and supporters for making this journey possible.
In short...
Interesting facts about our work for a better future for children and young people in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
What is the main goal of steps for children?
The foundation is committed to opening up sustainable future prospects for children and young people in Namibia and Zimbabwe through education, care and training.
How does steps for children provide concrete support on the ground?
Day nurseries, kindergartens, preschools, afternoon care, soup kitchens and the Guardian Angel program provide holistic support for children.
What are "income-generating steps"?
These are small businesses such as guest houses, a sewing workshop or vegetable growing, the proceeds of which flow directly into the social projects and contribute to financial independence.
How can I help from Germany?
Through donations, sponsorships, voluntary work, school campaigns or the organization of our own fundraising campaigns, such as charity runs or birthday fundraising campaigns.
How can I get involved on site in Namibia?
Volunteers can work on projects, e.g. in childcare, teaching or organizing leisure activities. This can also take the form of social leave.
How are donations used?
Donations flow directly into education and care projects as well as into the development of income-generating measures for long-term project financing.
Who is behind the foundation?
steps for children was founded in 2005 by Michael Hoppe in Hamburg and is now supported by many donations. In Namibia, the foundation works closely with local partners and committed employees on the ground.
Stay up to date
Find out what's happening right now - in Namibia, Zimbabwe and in our foundation's work.
For all those who want to delve deeper.