Anna in Namibia!

Meet our female volunteers who are spending a whole year doing their FSJ in Namibia at steps for children’s facilities in 2023-2024. 

Hey, I'm Anna and I've been here at steps in Gobabis since mid-August 2023. I graduated from high school this summer and in Germany I enjoy doing things like bouldering, youth work and sewing.

Why did you decide to do a voluntary social year in Namibia?

I’ve been asked that a lot already, but I’ve never really had a good answer 🙂

I heard about weltwärts through friends and thought it was a really cool opportunity to get to know real life, everyday life and the culture here in Namibia, and not “just” see the typical tourist spots as a tourist.

Which books did you use to prepare for your time in Namibia?

I’m interested in history and have therefore read quite a bit about colonialism in Namibia, the genocide of the Herero and Nama, and the effects today, but unfortunately I can’t recommend a specific book. But there are definitely lots of good websites and documentaries that are very worth checking out before maybe coming to Namibia yourself.

How do you like to spend the evenings after your work at steps?

Our days here are relatively long, as we work until 4 p.m. (usually a little longer) and then go to football practice almost every day. When we get home, it is usually almost dark already and we still have to take care of the less desirable chores (doing the laundry, cooking, cleaning, …) 🙂 

At weekends we are often invited to our neighbours’ or colleagues’ homes from steps, play the ukulele, paint, read… It’s definitely a lot of fun to try out new hobbies here too, as I couldn’t play football or the ukulele before.

Are there tasks that you particularly enjoy at steps?

In the mornings we help out in the carpentry workshop, which is really great fun. So far we’ve mainly been helping build picnic benches, and it’s cool to follow the process of how they come together.

What has been particularly challenging so far on your journey or during your stay as a volunteer?

In our first proper week of work, one of the teachers was ill, so Feli and I had to look after a whole bunch of 1st and 2nd graders on our own. That was really quite overwhelming and it was clearly above the normal noise level, but thanks to the help of another colleague we survived the chaos 😀

What surprised you most during your stay?

I found it really surprising and shocking how big the difference between rich and poor actually is. Last week we were on holiday in Swakopmund and it was crazy to see the luxury villas, expensive restaurants and cafés there, while here some neighbourhoods have no running water or electricity and money barely lasts despite a full-time job.

What are you grateful for?

I’m very grateful to even be able to experience this!

What do you absolutely have to try when you’re in Namibia?

Fat cakes! SOOO delicious.

Even small building blocks for playing are made in the carpentry workshop.

I wish…

…that this project will continue to exist for a long time and that the carpentry workshop will eventually generate enough revenue for steps for children to become more independent of donations!

Dear Anna, we are delighted that you found your way to Namibia to join us and sincerely thank you for your commitment! We wish you lots of fun with your upcoming tasks in Gobabis.

Would you like to do your FSJ with steps for children in Namibia, like Anna?
Here you can find information about the opportunities. We also offer shorter stays of 3-6 months.