Between adventure and everyday life: Lina, 18 years old from Hamburg, spends three months in Okakarara, Namibia. She not only discovers the country and its people, but also how enriching it is to give children a smile - whether learning, playing or at the popular cookie time. Her experiences show how volunteering broadens horizons and connects hearts.
Who are you?
I'm Lina, I live in Hamburg and am currently spending three months in Okakarara, Namibia. I'm 18 years old, I'm very interested in literature and I like swimming.
Why did you decide to do a short-term traineeship in Namibia?
After graduating from high school, I really wanted to get hands-on instead of just reading and learning about it. So steps was just the right thing for me, as it gave me the chance to really get involved. I could never have imagined that I would make such great contacts and that the children would grow so close to my heart.
What books, documentaries, films or other contributions did you use to prepare for your time in Namibia?
I listened to podcasts about steps for children and read historical novels about Namibia to get a better feel for the country and its history. I also spoke to former volunteers, who helped me a lot to visualise the day-to-day work a little better.
Are there any tasks that you particularly like at steps?
Cookie time“ at the end of the day. We always go round and hand out biscuits to all the children. To get a biscuit, the children have to answer a question, for example multiplication tables or they have to spell a word. It's always a great way to end the day because you get to see all the children again, from the toddlers to the teenagers, and everyone is very happy about their biscuit.
What has been particularly challenging on your trip or during your stay so far?
I was the only volunteer here for the first three weeks. However, my colleagues looked after me so kindly and involved me so much everywhere that I didn't feel alone at all.
Is there a special encounter or story that has stayed with you?
We once met a guy who wanted to sacrifice a goat for us as a welcome gift. When we said that we didn't want him to slaughter a goat for us, he said that he would bring us a live one. But we are still waiting for that one.
What skills or knowledge have you already been able to develop or improve during your stay?
I have learnt to adapt to everyday life here, which is often a bit chaotic. You never really know in the morning what's going to happen that day because children are unpredictable. But that's exactly what makes the work fun and entertaining.
What are your plans after the end of your FSJ in Namibia?
As I'm only here for three months, I still have over six months until I start studying when I return. I want to use this time to learn a new language and to travel. I still have to decide exactly what I want to study, but my experience in Namibia has a firm place in my heart and will accompany me on my future journey through life.
What has surprised you the most during your stay so far?
I was surprised by how much you can experience here outside of work. We go on a trip every weekend, sometimes for a few hours, sometimes we stay overnight somewhere else. There's always something new to do, whether it's the Cheetah Farm or a weekend in Windhoek. I couldn't have imagined how much of the country I could see in three months.
What should you definitely try when you are in Namibia?
You should definitely go swimming in the Waterberg Plateau Park. What could be cooler than hiking up the Waterberg and then jumping into the pool?
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for how much we are accepted here, not only by our Steps colleagues and the children, but by the whole of Okakarara. Although the people don't know us that well yet, they are always willing to help and we have already had countless interesting conversations with strangers while shopping.
I wish...
...that the children we look after here keep their motivation and their incredibly good sense of humour!
Dear Lina, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your work in Okakarara at steps. It is a pleasure that you have found your way to us. We wish you many more happy and fulfilling moments in your work.
A fundraising campaign by the volunteers - watch here:
Our four volunteers in Okakarara are currently working for the children and young people at steps with a lot of heart and initiative. They not only provide support in everyday life on site, but also have their own Fundraising campaign started - to be able to achieve even more.
