Vision becomes movement
What we stand for
Since 2005, a bold idea in Hamburg has grown into a strong movement in Namibia and Zimbabwe - fuelled by partnerships, a pioneering spirit and the determination to bring about lasting change.
We have been living and shaping change since 2005 - what began as a courageous step by our founder in Hamburg is now making an impact in Namibia and Zimbabwe. We combine an entrepreneurial pioneering spirit with complete openness and build on strong partnerships that support our work. Take a look behind the scenes: Find out more about our vision, our successes and the people who make steps for children a movement.
Our vision
We empower children, young people and families in southern Africa through education, entrepreneurship and strong partnerships. We create prospects and promote independence.
We live our vision
We empower children and young adults in southern Africa to break the cycle of poverty on their own through education and training. We create income opportunities that secure people's livelihoods in the long term. Our vision is to become less dependent on donations in the long term.
We live our mission
Our work is based on entrepreneurial thinking and action. We support and strengthen awareness in the local community for a self-determined way of life. At our locations in southern Africa, we are anchored in the poorest regions. One of our focal points is the education and training centres for children, young people and adults. We provide orphans and families affected by poverty with access to education, nutrition and medical care.
As social entrepreneurs, we set up small businesses, create jobs and train our employees. The surpluses we generate go to our organisations and finance their activities. Our long-term goal is to become less dependent on donations.
We create a social return on investment by improving the lives of local people. We support them in developing skills to overcome their challenges and bring about change.
From the entrepreneur
to the education donor
Dr Michael Hoppe's path to steps for children
After more than 30 years as a successful entrepreneur in market research, Dr Michael Hoppe decided to take a new path. At the age of 53, he sold his company and set out in search of a meaningful task. His wish: to give something back and give disadvantaged children a better future.
In 2005, Hoppe travelled to Kenya, South Africa and Namibia to find suitable projects. He finally found the right place in Okakarara, Namibia. Together with Erika von Wietersheim, a Namibian with German roots, the first location of steps for children was chosen, the name of the foundation was coined and the trust in Namibia was established with her support. Hoppe went on to develop a concept that combines education and social support with entrepreneurial thinking. This gave rise to the idea of „income-generating steps“: small businesses such as sewing workshops, computer schools, guest houses and rented flats, the proceeds of which finance the social steps.
steps for children supports over 2,000 children and young people in Namibia and Zimbabwe every day. With educational programmes, soup kitchens and foster families, the foundation offers children the chance of a better future. At the same time, it promotes local economic development through its income-generating steps.
Structure of the organisation
Together with local partners, we are creating sustainable prospects in Namibia and Zimbabwe - through education, local support and the creation of stable structures.
Our non-profit aid organisation supports people from Namibia and Zimbabwe. It cooperates with existing organisations. In this way, the steps for children foundation utilises existing infrastructures in the country and expands and develops them. With the help of friends, supporters and sponsors from Germany and Switzerland, the individual facilities are being organised. Together with the existing children's aid projects, sustainable solutions are developed and future prospects are opened up for the people of southern Africa.
Team Hamburg
Dr Michael Hoppe
Founder of the foundation
michael.hoppe@stepsforchildren.de
Stefan Wolfschütz
Management Board
stefan.wolfschuetz@stepsforchildren.de
Andreas Ross
Management Board
andreas.ross@stepsforchildren.de
Manuela Kase
Management
manuela.kase@stepsforchildren.de
Simone Damak
Administration
simone.damak@stepsforchildren.de
Johanna Krechel
Project management
johanna.krechel@stepsforchildren.de
Marie Schnaidt
Communication
marie.schnaidt@stepsforchildren.de
Sophie Plambeck
International communication
sophie.plambeck@stepsforchildren.de
Hanno Hafkemeyer
Member of the Board of Trustees
hanno.hafkemeyer@stepsforchildren.de
Team Namibia
Sonja Schneider-Waterberg
National Coordinator
Ambassador
Prof Dr Cornelius Herstatt at the TUHH
„I have been travelling to southern Africa regularly for over 20 years. This part of the world has always given me so much. For me, it is tangibly the cradle of humanity and the most beautiful part of the world. But I have also seen the other side, the many children on the streets who have no opportunities. These children are the future of Africa and need a lot of help. This is exactly where the steps for children foundation comes in and that inspires me. That's why I'm committed to steps for children.“
Professor Herstatt is currently also offering yoga classes in aid of steps for children. „I offer my classes free of charge, but I'm happy to receive a donation that will benefit one of my favourite and dearest steps for children projects.”
You are doing two good things at once: for yourself and for the children of steps. In this way you show solidarity with the children in Namibia and Zimbabwe and their many concerns and support the good and meaningful work of our steps partners on site with your donations.
Sabine and Dr Hans Christian Schröder
„In our search for a sustainable aid project in Namibia, we became aware of steps for children in 2006. We support this project for children and the improvement of their educational opportunities. For us, education is the only development aid that will always endure. We liked the concept with the income-generating sub-projects. The employees are not recipients of charity, but retain their dignity. We have been visiting the pilot site in Okakarara every year since 2006 and are delighted with the continuity, growth and acceptance among the population.
That's why we can promote steps for children at home with a good feeling. Since 2007, the grammar school on Willms Strasse has supported Okakarara with half of the proceeds from the Christmas bazaar and the teaching staff finance the training and further education of teachers and educators with monthly donations. Many „donation pigs“ from the circle of friends go to steps, e.g. for milestone birthdays. For example, the Rotary Club of Delmenhorst has sponsored the construction of a toilet and wash house, a mobile bookcase and tables and benches.“
Andreas Roß and Sabine Bohlen-Roß
Sabine Bohlen-Roß and her husband Andreas Roß have been ambassadors for steps for children for many years. In 2012, Sabine discovered the foundation through an article and, as a social pedagogue, volunteered for the further training of our teachers and educators in Okakarara. Senior Expert applied. Since then, she was regularly on site with Andreas once a year until 2023.
Andreas Roß is just as committed every year. He has dedicated himself to the guardian angel children and is tireless in his search for sponsors. Thanks to his regular trips to Namibia, he is able to follow the children's progress and development closely and reports on this in presentations at his workplace. His ambassadorial activities led to his appointment to the board of steps for children in 2023.
Britta and Dr Stanislaw Nawka
Britta and Stanislaw Nawka have been involved with steps for children for 11 years - both privately and professionally. They are steps ambassadors, have visited our projects several times and have given medical training courses on site. They are also constantly collecting donations: Stani in his own practice, Britta formerly as managing director of Mrs Sporty Hamburg Sasel.
And her daughter also helps diligently to support steps - previously through her kindergarten and still as the youngest member of the steps for children e.V. support association.
Jan Christoph Wönicker
Since 2024, Jan Wönicker has been an enthusiastic ambassador for steps for children through his favourite sport, polo. As an entrepreneur and investor in the software and property sectors, he not only brings his expertise to innovative projects, but is also personally committed to social causes. He uses his passion for polo to publicise and support the work of steps for children - a sign of corporate responsibility and social commitment.
The Board of Trustees
Andreas Thümmler has been a supporter and fundraiser for steps for children since 2006. He has supported Dr Hoppe's efforts to set up the foundation from the very beginning. He drew the attention of several internet entrepreneurs to the project in Okakarara and gained important donors for the project. Andreas has an extensive network in German-speaking countries. His former company Corporate Finance Partners sponsored steps for children offices in Hamburg for a long time and as Managing Director of ACXIT Capital Partners he continues to support the foundation's projects in Namibia both ideally and financially.
Hanno Hafkemeyer has been a member of the Board of Trustees at steps for children since 2024. He supports the foundation's work with a wide range of projects and is actively involved in collaborations and other aspects of the foundation's work in Germany.
Former member of the board of trustees Philipp Hartmann still supports steps for children with a generous permanent private donation.
The Steps for Children e. V. support organisation.
The Steps for Children Association was founded in 2006 with the aim of providing financial and non-material support for the charitable purposes of the steps for children Foundation. The contributions of the association are distributed to the steps for children foundation and used by it for specific purposes in the steps for children education centres in Namibia.
At the annual general meeting, supporters receive up-to-date information on the development and future direction of the project work. In addition to the annual report, board members and volunteers provide information about their assignments in Namibia and their work in Germany.
Support the work of the steps for children foundation by becoming a member of the association. By becoming a member, you support the goals of steps for children with your annual contribution (minimum contribution €60):
- Giving children a better future through early support and education
- Stabilise children's health through a balanced diet and hygiene measures
- Financing education and training opportunities for young people
- sustainably improve people's living conditions
- Offer help for self-help
- secure the projects in the long term
If you would like to actively support our work, you can get involved in the areas of marketing, communication and fundraising, for example. Your ideas and expertise are just as much in demand here as your skills as a networker and multiplier.
For further information, please contact us by e-mail info@stepsforchildren.de or by telephone: 040 - 389 027 88. We look forward to your call.
You can claim the full amount of the sponsorship contribution against your income tax. You will automatically receive a donation receipt at the beginning of the following year.
Management Board: Andreas Roß
Deputy Chairman: Dr Michael Hoppe
Treasurer: Mechtild Wigger
Registered in the Register of Associations No. VR 18920 at the Hamburg District Court on 06/03/2006
We are excellent
Outstanding commitment - our successes and awards confirm the impact of our work and motivate us to continue taking responsibility.
Our partners and supporters
Our work depends on the people and organisations that support us.
Whether companies, foundations or individuals - together we create future prospects for children and young people in Namibia. Thank you for your help!
