Achieving more together

Get active and support!

Would you like to volunteer and take action to help disadvantaged children in Namibia?

The nonprofit organization steps for children is committed to improving the living conditions of girls and boys in Namibia. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to get involved with the organization in Germany and participate in various activities or develop your own. Through your commitment to steps for children, you can make a positive contribution and help ensure that children in Namibia have better prospects for the future.

In Namibia

At our locations in Okakarara, Gobabis, and Rehoboth, practical support is needed—whether in education, food services, or leisure activities. Anyone who contributes their time and skills makes a valuable contribution locally.

In Germany

Voluntary engagement forms an important foundation of our work. Anyone who gets involved in Germany supports the further development of our sites and contributes to the long-term support of children and young people affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS in Namibia.

Fundraising campaigns

Here you will find an overview of all fundraising campaigns currently running – powered by a strong community that supports children in Namibia with creativity and heart. Start your own fundraising campaign too – for a birthday, anniversary or special occasion. Share your campaign with family, friends and colleagues – easily via a link on social media or by email.

Volunteer at our locations in Namibia, support children and young people on site with your time, knowledge and care—and return with the unforgettable experience of genuine encounters.

Immerse yourself in genuine encounters while supporting our locations along the way: Spend the night in lovingly run guesthouses in the heart of Namibia or combine your time away with a social holiday on site. This turns your stay into an unforgettable experience—for you and the children you accompany on site.

Enjoy a peaceful night's sleep in sustainable accommodation units that are ideal for a few nights away from popular, bustling tourist hotspots. While visiting us in Okakarara or Gobabis, you can see our work for yourself and meet the children and staff at the location. This means the guesthouse is not just a place to sleep, but after a few minutes' walk, also a place of cultural exchange.

Okakarara

Experience Okakarara firsthand: Our cozy double rooms with private bathrooms and a shared kitchen offer comfort and independence. Solo travelers and couples are very welcome!

Join us as we explore the educational programs on site and gain exclusive insights into the sewing workshop and vegetable cultivation – real help for self-help to experience firsthand.

Gobabis

A cozy atmosphere awaits you at Gobabis’ lovingly designed guesthouse. The invitingly furnished rooms with private bathrooms and small desks offer space to relax and reflect. In the large shared kitchen with adjoining dining room, you can easily prepare your own meals and chat with other guests.

If you wish, we can take you on a personal tour of our facilities in Gobabis. This gives you exclusive insights into our educational work and lets you experience first-hand how support for self-reliance is put into practice.

By spending a few nights in our guesthouses, you can work during the day alongside our staff and volunteers at the preschool, support afternoon classes, or help in the soup kitchen.

Experience firsthand the real-life practice of a social education center that cares for the poorest children and young people in Namibia and learn about daily challenges that are guaranteed to differ from your own at home. Your donation reaches its destination – you can verify this yourself. In addition, you can book a tour of the place so that during your stay you don’t miss the most interesting corners and the regional cuisine.

Social holiday in Okakarara

Helping in the soup kitchen
with meal preparation and serving

Maintenance
of the school buildings, guesthouses and greenhouses

Afternoon care
in the subjects English and Mathematics
Assistance with sports games
Assistance with art projects

Kindergarten and preschool
Helping with games
Morning reading sessions

Please bear in mind when planning your stay:
When working with children and young people, it is not only about sharing expertise, but above all about the relationship with one another. The longer your stay, the greater the chance of passing on valuable knowledge to the steps children in a sustainable way.

Help at the guesthouse
Guesthouse marketing
Guesthouse organization and management

Help at the school*
Dance and physical education classes
Helping shape afternoon classes
Planning holiday activities, especially for steps homes and children in the Schutzengel program
Assistance with computer classes for children in the afternoon program**

*a good command of English and solid prior pedagogical knowledge absolutely necessary
**technical knowledge required

Please note that the steps guesthouses are open year-round for overnight stays, but guided tours of the steps facilities are only offered outside Namibian school holidays and on weekdays (Monday to Friday).

Holidays

Period

Christmas holidays
Good Friday
Easter
Spring holidays
Day of the African Child
Summer holidays
Day of the Namibian Child
International Teachers' Day
Christmas holidays

07 Dec. 2025 – 12 Jan. 2026
03 April 2026
06 April 2026
29 April – 29 May 2026
16 June 2026
21 Aug. – 06 Sep. 2026
28 Sep. 2026
05 Oct. 2026
05 Dec. 2026 – 10 Jan. 2027