steps for children

Sports Days in Namibia

Marie Schnaidt — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:55:55 +0000

In Namibia, at our locations in Okakarara and Gobabis, this year’s sports season was celebrated with great joy. At the Sports Days, children from preschool and kindergarten were able to take part in small competitions and enjoy moving about in a playful way.

Play, fun and movement

Whether it was sack races, egg-and-spoon races with cups of water, various skill-based games or running races – everyone showed great enthusiasm. It was especially wonderful to see the children encouraging one another, cheering together and sharing in each other’s successes.

The teachers provided additional motivation by actively supporting the day, cheering the children on and sharing in their excitement. This created many joyful moments and a wonderful sense of community.

Every child gets a medal—because at the Sports Day, team spirit, fairness, and joy matter more than the result.

Movement promotes development

Sport and movement play an important role in our educational centers in Namibia a key one. Especially in preschool and kindergarten age, movement games not only support physical development, but also strengthen concentration, self-confidence, and social skills. Through shared activities, children learn early to follow rules, show consideration, and grow together as a community.
Many of the games combine movement with skill and, in a playful way, help develop important everyday abilities. At the same time, they create space for experiences of success and strengthen children’s trust in their own abilities.

Experiencing team spirit and fairness

That’s why the Sports Days are far more than just a day full of games. They create valuable experiences that promote togetherness and show children how important mutual support and fairness are. Especially at our educational centers in Namibia, many children experience moments of success that motivate them and strengthen their personal development.
Winning was not always the focus here. Much more important was the joy of movement and the shared experience. It was wonderful to watch the children cheering on their friends and celebrating others’ successes.

Holistic support at steps for children in Namibia

For steps for children, education, health, nutrition and physical activity are inseparably connected. That is why we regularly create activities at our locations that enable the children to receive holistic support. The Sports Days are a wonderful example of how learning and development can be combined with joy, physical activity and a sense of community.

The Sports Days are a special highlight for most children and once again showed how much fun movement brings—such shared experiences not only strengthen the children themselves, but also the sense of togetherness in our educational centers. They create memories that last for a long time.

With a donation, education, movement, and important support programs for children in Namibia are made possible. Help now to give our steps children opportunities for healthy development.

Give the future today!

Strengthening food security in Namibia

luziara — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:50:52 +0000

Groundbreaking ceremony for our new soup kitchen in Okakarara

Great news as part of our nutrition initiative – we would like to share it with you straight away: the first spadeful of earth has been turned for the new soup kitchen in Okakarara!

The kitchen will primarily reach children from the surrounding Informal Settlements, who have often been left out until now. Many of them live in difficult conditions and do not have regular access to a balanced meal. With the new soup kitchen, we are creating a place where they can not only reliably receive healthy food, but also experience care, community and security.

A warm meal is far more than food – it lays the foundation for health, development and better opportunities for the future.

With construction beginning in June 2026, a project is being implemented that will make a real difference to many children – and, if everything goes according to plan, we will be able to open the new soup kitchen as early as next autumn.

Over the coming months, we will take you along to the construction site and report regularly on the progress. Follow us there too Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, so you don't miss anything.

First groundbreaking ceremony for the new soup kitchen in Okakarara.
from left: Sonja Schneider-Waterberg (National Coordinator),
Eveline Ketjivandje (Office Manager Okakarara)

By the second week, you can already see the outlines
of the building.

Week three: The first walls are already standing. With every step of the construction, we are getting closer to our goal of enabling more children to enjoy a healthy diet.

Soup kitchen in Otto Xamseb serves its first children

The soup kitchen at the Otto Xamseb Education Centre is now fully equipped and has started operating. The first children are already coming regularly to receive a warm, balanced meal here.

Our cook, Glodina van Wyk, prepares the food fresh and serves it to the children. The menu is varied and nutritious – vegetable soup with spaghetti and chicken soup, among other dishes, have already been on the menu. The offering is soon to be expanded by freshly baked bread .

For many children from the neighbouring Informal Settlements at the Rehoboth site, this meal is far more than just food. It means security, care and the opportunity to grow up healthy and concentrate better at school.

With the soup kitchens in Namibia, steps for children ensures that children receive a balanced meal regularly – an important foundation for health, learning and a self-determined future.

Get involved now and support the steps nutrition initiative
in Namibia:

Why nutrition gives children in Namibia a future

Marie Schnaidt — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 09:23:51 +0000

In brief:

🍲 Why is nutrition important for education?
Children learn better when they receive healthy meals regularly. A balanced diet improves concentration, performance and health.

📍 Why is this an important issue in Namibia?
Many families struggle with poverty, unemployment and rising living costs. As a result, children often lack regular and balanced nutrition.

🏫 How does steps for children provide support?
Through its nutrition initiative, regular meals, nutrition education and the construction of a new soup kitchen in Okakarara, steps for children provides sustainable support.

🌱 What is the aim of the nutrition initiative?
Every child should have the chance to grow up healthy, learn regularly and shape their future independently.

Nutrition and education in Namibia: Why a hot lunch creates a future

Those who are hungry find it difficult to concentrate. This simple insight shapes the everyday lives of many children around the world – including in Namibia. For thousands of pupils, a regular meal cannot be taken for granted. At the same time, a balanced diet is the very foundation for successful learning, health and long-term development.

That is why steps for children is committed through its nutrition initiative to giving children not only access to education, but also to sufficient and healthy nutrition.

Why nutrition and learning belong together

Children learn better when they are adequately nourished. Hunger impairs concentration, memory and motivation. If important nutrients are lacking over a longer period, this can have a lasting impact on physical and mental development.

For many families in Namibia, rising living costs and difficult economic conditions present major challenges. There is often a lack of financial resources for a balanced diet. The consequences are often immediately apparent in everyday school life: children arrive at the education centre hungry. A hot meal therefore means far more than simply satisfying hunger. It creates the conditions for children to learn, develop and make use of their opportunities for a self-determined future.

The steps for children nutrition initiative

Through its nutrition initiative, steps for children aims to provide children with healthy meals on a regular basis while also creating sustainable structures.

These include:

Expansion of healthy catering for children and young people at the education centre
Nutrition education for families and the community
Development of new infrastructure for food provision

An important milestone was recently Okakarara reached: The groundbreaking ceremony for a new soup kitchen has taken place.

A new soup kitchen for Okakarara

The new soup kitchen will soon provide significantly more children with hot meals. At the same time, better conditions are being created for the storage, preparation and distribution of food. This not only meets an urgent need. It creates a long-term place of provision that will sustainably support the educational work of steps for children. Because only when basic needs are met can children fulfil their potential.

Sustainable support instead of short-term solutions

The work of steps for children takes a holistic approach. Nutrition, education and social support go hand in hand. The aim is not only to provide short-term assistance, but also to open up long-term prospects for children and families. Every meal can be an important step towards better learning opportunities, improved health and a stronger future.

Enabling the future together

The nutrition initiative demonstrates how closely education and nutrition are connected. With every contribution, more children can be provided for regularly and given the chance to continue their education successfully. Those who support the work of steps for children help to create sustainable structures that have an impact far beyond a single meal – and open up new prospects for the future for children in Namibia.

Help now

With a donation, you support steps for children’s nutrition initiative and give children the foundation for education, health and development.

From barefoot runner to national success

luziara — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:10:10 +0000

Talent needs opportunities – and sometimes simply the right equipment

As Virinao When athletics training began in 2023, no one suspected how quickly his exceptional talent would develop. His coach recognised early on the potential in the then 13-year-old boy and began to support him in a targeted way. Although many of his competitors had already been training for much longer, Virinao was able to overtake them after a short time. However, his success is not just a question of talent – but above all the result of discipline, ambition and tireless training.

His sporting journey literally began barefoot in the sand. With great enthusiasm, he completed every training session and dreamed of one day becoming one of the fastest sprinters in the world.

But in order to keep up in regional and national competitions, talent alone is not enough. Professional sprint shoes, starting blocks and competition equipment are important prerequisites for being able to realise your own potential.

Support makes sporting success possible

Thanks to the support of our steps community, Virinao was equipped with exactly this equipment – and he made the most of this opportunity in impressive fashion.

As early as 2025, he won the gold medal in the 200 metres and silver in the long jump at the regional championships in Grootfontein. Shortly afterwards, he secured second place in the 200 metres at the Namibian national championships in Windhoek.

He continued his success story in 2026 as well. At the regional championships, he once again won gold in the 200 metres and silver in the long jump. At the national championships, he came second in the 200 metres in a strong 22.35 seconds and third in the 400 metres in 51.06 seconds. At just 15 years old, Virinao is already one of the most promising young athletes Namibia's. Due to his age, he has not yet been able to represent his country at international competitions – but his potential is unmistakable.

The dream of the international stage

His great role model is Usain Bolt. Virinao dreams of one day even being faster than the exceptional athlete. Until then, he is pursuing ambitious interim goals: he wants to run the 200 metres in under 21 seconds and complete the 100 metres in just 10 seconds.

The guardian angel programme opens up future opportunities

Alongside his sporting ambition, Virinao is also part of the Guardian Angel Programme programme by steps for children. The programme supports children and young people in developing their potential and seizing educational and development opportunities. Alongside schooling, this includes, among other things, secure provision, individual support and guidance on the path to a self-determined future.

Virinao impressively shows what is possible when talent meets opportunity. His story makes it clear how targeted support opens up prospects – not only in sport, but far beyond it.

Dear Virinao, we warmly congratulate you on your impressive achievements! With your ambition, discipline and tireless commitment, you have shown what is possible when you believe in your dreams and work consistently to achieve them.

You are not only a great athlete, but also a role model for many other children and young people. We are proud to be able to accompany you on your journey, and wish you many more sporting and personal successes in the future.

Stay curious, brave and never lose faith in your goals – we look forward to following your journey ahead.

A milestone for Regina

Marie Schnaidt — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:11:00 +0000

Education has the power to change lives. Regina Ruduvini’s story is a powerful example of what becomes possible when talent, determination and support come together. Growing up as an orphan, Regina faced many challenges on her path to higher education. Thanks to the support of steps for children, dedicated sponsors and generous donors, she never gave up on her dream.

In the following letter, Regina shares her gratitude, her journey and her hopes for the future in her own words.

Dear steps for children Organization, Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters,

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to steps for children Organization and all the sponsors and donors who have supported me throughout my educational journey. As an orphan, pursuing my education was not always easy, and there were many challenges along the way. However, through your generosity, encouragement, and unwavering support, I was given the opportunity to continue my studies and work towards achieving my dreams. Your investment in my education has truly changed my life. Today, I am proud to share that I have successfully completed my studies at Welwitchia University and will be graduating on 17 July 2026 as a Certified Enrolled Nurse and Midwife.

This achievement is a direct result of the support, guidance, and belief that you have shown me over the years.

A special word of appreciation

A special word of appreciation goes to founder of steps for children, Mr. Dr. Michael Hoppe, for his vision and dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children and giving them hope for a better future. I am also deeply grateful to Mr. Peik Bruhns, Ms. Ulrike Mai, Ms. Sonja Schneider-Waterberg, Mr. Martin Schoelling, Mr. Santiago Narib, Ms. Mary Matheus, Ms. Lempi Shivute, Ms. Sofia Hendriks, Mr. Manfred Haoseb, and all the donors and sponsors whose kindness and generosity made it possible for me to reach this milestone.

I sincerely appreciate Ms. Jackie Sanjath, who has been a true role model and source of inspiration in my life. Her encouragement, support, and examples have motivated me to work hard, persevere through challenges, and remain committed to my goals.

I dedicate this achievement to my late mother, whose dreams and sacrifices continue to inspire me every day. Although she is no longer here to witness this special moment, I know she would be proud of what has been accomplished through the support of so many caring people.

Regina Ruduvini and Nicolet Makono, both former guardian angle kids and steps students from Gobabis, celebrate their milestones together.

To the children currently supported by steps

To the children currently supported by steps for children, I would like to encourage you to remain focused on your studies and never stop believing in your potential. I am living a testimony that with hard work, determination, and the support of steps for children, a brighter future is possible. Continue working hard and pursuing your dreams, because education has the power to transform lives.

Next steps for Regina

Although I have reached this important milestone, my journey does not end here. I aspire to further my education by pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing so that I can continue growing professionally and serve my community with greater knowledge and skills.
Words alone cannot fully express how grateful I am for everything you have done for me. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and helping me become the person I am today. Your generosity has not only changed my life but has also given me the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others through the nursing profession.

May God richly bless steps for children, all sponsors, donors, and everyone who continues to invest in the future of young people like me.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

REGINA RUDUVINI
Certified Enrolled Nurse and Midwife

Dear Regina,
congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

We are incredibly proud of your graduation and deeply impressed by your courage, perseverance, and determination. It is wonderful to see that steps for children was able to support your educational journey and that your success reflects what can be achieved through education, hard work, and the support of caring people. Thank you for your touching words and for inspiring other children and young people to believe in their dreams.

We wish you all the best for your future, continued success, confidence,
and many more milestones to come.

Support now our steps students
and give young people like Regina the chance
to successfully complete their education
and shape their own future.

steps student Regina receives her certificate as a qualified midwife

Education has the power, to change lives – and Regina Ruduvini’s story is a an impressive example for that, what is possible happens, when talent, determination and support come together. As orphan grew up Regina on and had to on her path many The challenges overcome. Thanks the support of steps for children, committed Guardian angels and generous donors has she her dream never given up.

In the the following letter (translated here, above in the original), describes Regina in her own words their gratitude, her journey through life and their hopes for the future.

Dear steps team, dear Sponsors, donors:women and Supporters:women,

I I would like the foundation steps for children as well as everyone Sponsor:women and donors:women, the me while my entire training period Supports have, my deepest Thanks and my sincere appreciation speak.

As an orphan, it was not always easy to continue my education, and there were many challenges along the way. But thanks to your generosity, your encouragement and your unwavering support, I was given the opportunity to continue my studies and work towards making my dreams come true. Your commitment to my education has truly changed my life.

Today, I am proud to be able to tell you that I have successfully completed my studies at Welwitchia University and graduated as a certified midwife on 17 July 2026. This achievement is a direct result of the support, guidance and trust you have shown me over the years.
A special thank you goes to the founder of steps for children, Dr Michael Hoppe, for his vision and dedication to improving the lives of children in need of protection and giving them hope for a better future.

I would also like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Mr Peik Bruhns, Ms Ulrike Mai, Ms Sonja Schneider-Waterberg, Mr Martin Schoelling, Mr Santiago Narib, Ms Mary Matheus, Ms Lempi Shivute, Ms Sofia Hendriks, Mr Manfred Haoseb, and to all donors, whose willingness to help and generosity made it possible for me to reach this milestone.

I am very grateful to Ms Jackie Sanjath, who has been a true role model and a source of inspiration in my life. Her encouragement, her support, and her example have motivated me to work hard, to face challenges, and to stay true to my goals.

I dedicate this success to my late mother, whose dreams and devotion inspire me again and again every day. Even though she is no longer here to witness this special moment, I know she would be proud of what has been achieved thanks to the support of so many compassionate people.

To the children who are currently supported by steps for children: I want to encourage you to keep focusing on your school education and never stop believing in your potential. I am living proof that with hard work, determination, and the support of steps for children, a better future is possible. Keep working hard and pursuing your dreams, because education has the power to change lives.

Even though I’ve reached this important milestone, my journey is not ending here yet. I want to continue my training and earn a Bachelor’s degree in nursing so that I can develop professionally and help my community with more knowledge and skills.

Words alone can’t fully express how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, and helping me become the person I am today. Your generosity not only changed my life, but it also gave me the opportunity to positively influence the lives of others through the nursing profession.
May God richly bless steps for children, all guardian angels, donors, and everyone who continues to invest in the future of young people like me.

With sincere gratitude and appreciation,

REGINA RUDUVINI

Qualified nurse and midwife

Dear Regina,
warmest congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

We are incredibly proud of your school-leaving qualification and deeply impressed by your courage, perseverance and determination. It is wonderful to see that steps for children was able to support you on your educational journey. Your success shows what can be achieved through education, hard work and the support of caring people. Thank you very much for your moving words and for inspiring other children and young people to believe in their dreams.

We wish you all the best for your future, and continued success, self-confidence
and many more milestones to come.

Support our steps students now
and give young people like Regina the chance,
to successfully complete their education
and shape their own path into the future.

Transparency builds trust

Marie Schnaidt — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:05:47 +0000

How the steps for children foundation works

Many people want to help and, before supporting an organisation, ask themselves an important and legitimate question: „Where does my donation actually go?“

At steps for children, we place great value on the responsible use of donated funds. That is why we show you transparently how we implement sustainable and reputable education and nutrition initiatives in Namibia to.

Trust is the foundation of all support

Every donation is a sign of trust. Anyone supporting a non-profit organisation wants to be sure that the support reaches where it is needed and has a lasting impact.

We are aware of this responsibility – towards our donors as well as towards the children, families and communities in Namibia. Transparency and openness are therefore integral parts of our work. We want to show in a clear and understandable way how we work, what goals we pursue and how donation funds are used.

How donation funds are used

Trust is created when it is clear how support makes a difference. That is why we explain how donation funds are used and which measures they make possible.

82.2 per cent of our funds go directly into our educational institutions and nutrition initiatives in Namibia. These include, among other things:

early childhood education programmes
support for schools and children
nutrition programmes
promoting training and future prospects

The remaining share is used for administration, communication and fundraising and creates the organisational foundations that allow measures to be planned, implemented and financed over the long term.

We publish detailed information on the use of funds and our finances annually in our Annual report.

Verified transparency and clear standards

For us, transparency means not only reporting on our work, but also adhering to binding standards.

Therefore, steps for children is part of the Initiative Transparente Zivilgesellschaft (ITZ). By signing the self-commitment, we are committed to making important information about our organisation publicly accessible.

This includes, among other things, details about our constitution, our decision-making structures, the people responsible, as well as the origin and use of funds.

This means that anyone interested can find out about our work and understand the structures of our foundation. This transparency builds trust and makes our work easy to understand.

Our work is visible – on site too

Reports and figures provide important insights into our work. Anyone wishing to gain even deeper insights has the opportunity to get to know our locations in Namibia in person.

A special opportunity is our Social leave. Participants not only get to know our facilities, but also the people on the ground and experience first-hand how support makes a difference. This direct exchange creates understanding and shows what development cooperation looks like in practice. This personal insight also stands for the transparency of our foundation.

We have been reliably at the side of the people in Namibia for 20 years

In 2026, our foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary.

For two decades, we have been supporting children, families and communities in Namibia on their path to better educational and future opportunities. In doing so, we rely on long-term partnerships and sustainable development rather than short-term solutions.

Development cooperation takes time, reliability and a willingness to face challenges together. That is why we have stood by our measures in Namibia for 20 years and continue to work to deploy our support where it can have a lasting impact.

Questions? We look forward to exchanging ideas

It is important to us to stay in dialogue with our supporters.

That is why we are always available to answer questions about our work or the use of donations. Good cooperation begins with open dialogue and thrives on transparency and trust.

Would you like to learn more about our work or support our work in Namibia?

Spontaneously to Namibia?

Marie Schnaidt — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:05:13 +0000

Do you want to go to Namibia spontaneously for 3 - 6 months?

Then it could be your adventure!

You support our education centres in Okakarara or Gobabis, gain an authentic insight into working with children and young people, and collect valuable intercultural experiences.

We currently have new places available in our volunteer programme!

If you want to get involved socially, gain new perspectives, and become part of a sustainable education and nutrition programme, then seize your chance now and become part of steps for children.

📅 Flexible start from June 2026

📩 Contact us easily for an initial chat: info@stepsforchildren.de

You can find a few testimonials here:

Frank in Namibia

Felizia in Namibia says hello!

Paula in Namibia

More information about our volunteer programmes
you can find it here:

Nutrition campaign – an update

Marie Schnaidt — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:40:29 +0000

Our nutrition initiative is in full swing! Since the beginning of 2025, we have already been working to improve nutrition at our locations. And that’s not all: through new and expanded soup kitchens, even more children from the surrounding informal settlements are to benefit.

Here you can get an insight into what we are currently working on:

Freshly baked

In Okakarara it now regularly smells of freshly baked bread – thanks to genuine professional equipment. Alongside a high-performance bread oven, a dough mixer and a bread slicing machine are now also available.

These appliances not only make the daily work enormously easier, but also enable a consistently high quality of our breads.

Passing on knowledge – expansion to other locations

As part of our nutrition campaign, the cook Shania Isaaks from the steps educational centre Otto Xamseb in Rehoboth has taken a special step: For three days she was in Okakarara, to bake bread together with our experienced baker Tate Tjirare and to learn the professional handling of dough, dough mixer and bread oven.

This practical training is an important building block our nutrition initiative and the improved provision of our children. Shania now brings valuable knowledge back to Rehoboth – and we want it to keep growing there.

We are currently looking for additional cooks for our soup kitchen in Rehoboth so that Shania can pass on her new skills and build a strong local team. At Otto Xamseb in Rehoboth, the new baking equipment – from the mixer to the oven to the slicer – is eagerly awaiting its first use.

Harvest time in Namibia

In our agricultural project in Namibia, the harvest time has begun – and the variety is impressive. Juicy peppers, fresh lemons, aromatic onions, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes and many other vegetables are currently filling the baskets.

This harvest is not only a sign of productive work, but also an important contribution to the nutrition initiative and to the provision of children and families locally.

Every plant shows how valuable sustainable agriculture is for the community and how much commitment goes into this project.

New homes for staff in Ongombombonde – a home right in the heart of the agricultural project

The small houses for the staff of the agricultural project in Ongombombonde have been completed. What began as a vision is now reality – and the joy on site is enormous.

The photos document the steady progress of the build: from the first spade in the ground, through the laying of the foundation stone, the shell construction as far as the plastered house. Step by step, a place has emerged that is more than just accommodation. It is a sign of appreciation for the people who work every day to ensure that the agricultural project grows, flourishes and strengthens the community.

For the staff, the new home on the garden site means a great deal in terms of quality of life, while at the same time a vibrant centre is being created around the project. The new houses create security, stability and a real feeling of arriving.

Compost toilets in the vegetable garden – small, but effective

In our vegetable garden, we rely on sustainable solutions. Two compost toilets, which manage completely without water and turn organic material into valuable compost.

In Ongombombonde, we live in the desert – water is a scarce resource and conventional WCs use huge amounts of it. By using compost toilets, we save precious water, which we can instead use to irrigate our plants.

They save resources, protect the environment and support soil fertility in the long term – another step towards a truly sustainable garden project.

Practical insights for young people – visit from Waterberg Junior Secondary School & support from DAPP students

Over the past few weeks, we have once again had some special visitors: pupils from Waterberg Junior Secondary School, directly across the road, completed a one-week work placement with us – for the third time already. For the young people, it is a valuable opportunity to gain insights into our daily life, our projects and the work in the garden.

In addition, we were supported over the past few months by two committed agriculture students. They came to us via Development Aid from People to People (DAPP Namibia) and helped hands-on in the vegetable garden.

This is already the second time that we have been able to welcome interns through DAPP, and we hope for further cooperation in the future.

Encounters and collaborations like these are for us more than just support in everyday life. They create exchange, promote knowledge and give young people the opportunity to gain practical experience – a win for both sides.

Healthy teeth from the very beginning

In many regions of Namibia, access to dental care is severely restricted – all the more important is early prevention. That is why daily toothbrushing is part of everyday life in all our educational centres. This is complemented by our regular mobile dental check-ups directly on site.

Since 2024, the mobile dentist Dr. Maria Mai has been visiting our educational centres on a voluntary basis with portable equipment. This means children can not only be examined, but also treated directly if needed. In other cases, a referral to a dental clinic is issued.

Alongside education, we focus on prevention and care – for children who are healthy in the long term.

Every donation helps us to sustainably improve the children’s nutrition situation.

Donate now to support the nutrition campaign – your contribution counts!

Two friends, one shared goal: becoming nurses

Marie Schnaidt — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:41:08 +0000

Our Year‑1‑Nursing-Students (nurse training) Shilipa Christiaan and Uaanao Humbu impressively demonstrate how much courage, perseverance and hope lie within the children and young people who grow up with steps for children.

Shilipa Christiaan – from preschool child to aspiring nurse

Shilipa is 21 years old, lives in Okakarara and is the eldest of eight siblings. steps has accompanied her since 2011 - back then still in preschool with educator Melba.

Her path was not always easy: she repeated Grade 5, completed Grade 11 in 2023, but had to improve her points and took a course to improve her points at NAMCOL. With support from steps in three subjects, she fought her way through - Mathematics remained her favourite subject.

Today she is studying in Year 1 Nursing at Welwitchia Health Training Centre, Kombat Campus. She has already successfully completed the one-year preparatory course „Foundation of Health Science“. She is currently gaining her first practical experience at the hospital in Okakarara.

“I was inspired by my sponsors because they believed in me even when I failed… They motivated me a lot.”

Her career wish was clear from an early age: nurse. One day, Shilipa wants to be a registered nurse, helping children who cannot afford school.

Uaanao Humbu – once a Schutzengel child, now a steps student

Uaanao is 20 years old and lives with her grandmother and four siblings in Okakarara. She has been part of steps since 2013 - starting in preschool with educator Lena. Uaanao also had to overcome setbacks and repeated Grade 10 before completing Grade 11 in 2024. Mathematics was also her favourite subject, and like many children from Okakarara, she lived in the hostel from secondary school onwards.

Today Uaanao is also studying in Year 1 Nursing at Welwitchia Health Training Centre in Kombat. She has successfully completed the preparatory course and is currently gaining practical experience at the hospital in Okakarara.

She used to want to become a teacher, but her points were not enough for that. So she decided to study Nursing and found her path in it. In her free time, she likes to spend time with netball and music.

“My dream is to become a registered nurse… so I start helping or supporting others the way steps supported me.”

One year skipped

Normally, the preparatory course for the Bachelor’s degree takes two years, but due to the particularly good performance both Shilipa and Uaanao were exempted from the second year and were allowed to move on to the Bachelor’s course after just one year!

Shilipa and Uaanao stand for many young people who, through steps for children, receive opportunities that would otherwise have been denied to them. It shows how valuable long-term support is and how strong children can become when someone believes in them.

Education changes lives!

Both young women carry their dreams with impressive determination — and we are proud to be able to accompany them on this journey.

If you would also like to support the educational journey

of our guardian angel children and steps students:

New address from 1.4.2026

Marie Schnaidt — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:06:00 +0000

The Foundation steps for children has moved its head office to Hamburg. With the new location, we are creating better working conditions for our team, more space for exchange, and a modern environment in which we can further develop our foundation's work.

Our projects in Namibia will of course continue as usual. The move affects only our Hamburg office, from which we coordinate the organizational, strategic, and administrative work for the foundation. The phone number has not changed; you can reach us as usual at + 49 (0) 40 389 027 88

Our new address is:

steps for children foundation

c/o Regus Altona

Ottenser Main Street 2-6

22765 Hamburg

Visitor entrance:

Hahnenkamp 1

We look forward to continuing to work with commitment for the future of children and young people in Namibia from our new location – together with our supporters, partners, and friends of the foundation.