Holidays with steps in Namibia
Christiane Büscher took social leave with steps for children in Namibia, about which she reports here. It was a great opportunity for her to get to know Namibia away from the well-trodden tourist paths and to come into contact with people from various regions.
My time in Namibia
My time in Namibia was wonderful. I am still deeply impressed and fascinated by all my experiences and everything I saw and did—even after returning home, I am still drawing on this time.
You have an idea or opinion about the country, the people and local life - most of it is from stories and reports in newspapers or on television - but seeing and experiencing all this with your own eyes is something completely different and very formative and also very grounding.
Afternoon care in Okakarara
Lunch with the children in Gobabis.
The facilities I visited impressed me—so wonderful and absolutely worthy of support. It is wonderful to see everything that is done for and with the children.
During my social leave, I was able to visit two different locations on site—which was really great, even though the time at each facility was actually too short.
If I were younger, I would immediately seize the opportunity to go to Namibia for a year and support the work on site as a volunteer.
Putting together the hygiene products for the children.
With the volunteers Feli and Anna in Gobabis
The project managers Sonja Schneider-Waterberg and Jackie Sanjath, all the local staff and the volunteers gave me a warm welcome and took a lot of time to show and explain everything to me.
I really enjoyed working with the children. Above all, doing handicrafts and gymnastics with the children, doing homework and playing - just being there and being able to take part in everything and being part of steps was a great experience and a wonderful feeling. Of course, during my time I also got to know the steps vegetable farm in Ongombombonde and the carpentry workshop in Gobabis, although I wasn't able to work there.
I will never forget any of it and will definitely come back. Many thanks for making it possible through steps to take social leave.
I was also able to support and help with a small handicraft project together with the volunteers.
Dear Ms Büscher, thank you for your active commitment in Namibia! We are certain that your involvement provided new impetus and contributed to a lively exchange with the steps children and staff. We are already looking forward to your next visit!
INFORMATION ABOUT STEPS SOCIAL LEAVE
