Who exactly is the person who does jumping jacks with the children in the morning, explains maths at lunchtime and talks about Viking chess in the afternoon with shining eyes? In this short interview, Frank introduces himself – a short-term volunteer who travelled to Namibia with plenty of heart, humour and curiosity.
Who are you?
My name is Frank Osburg. I am 57 years old, married, and have two adult daughters. For 20 years, I taught mathematics and religion at Niels-Stensen-Gymnasium in Harburg. I was also middle school coordinator and, in recent years, deputy principal. Unfortunately, our school had to close in July 2025 with the last graduating class. In my free time, I spend a lot of time in the forest with our Labradoodle Smilla, and I also enjoy reading, cooking, and baking.
Why did you decide to do a short-term traineeship in Namibia?
A colleague told me about steps for children because she had visited Okakarara during her vacation. Everything I heard and could see in pictures made me curious. In addition, I had saved up a sabbatical year for the 2025/26 school year and thus had the opportunity to go abroad for a longer period of time.
With which books, documentaries, films, or other contributions did you prepare for your time in Namibia?
I had intensive contact with people who had already been to Namibia several times. I also watched many documentaries and films about the country, its culture, and its people. In particular, the film „The Settlers“ left me with impressive, but also very mixed feelings. This is because Okakarara is in Herero territory and therefore also carries a sad history.
Are there any tasks that you particularly like at steps?
The physical education class in the morning at 8 a.m., when the temperatures are still pleasant, shows the children’s enthusiasm. It is fascinating to see how enthusiastically the young children join in with the demonstrated exercises, such as circling their arms forwards and backwards, hopping on one leg, doing squats or jumping jacks. There were also wonderful moments in art class, when they worked on their tasks with great concentration.
Unfortunately, so far I have not been able to help as much in the afternoon with homework supervision and mathematics tutoring, because the school year has only just started and the pupils have not yet been able to establish a regular routine. I have really enjoyed helping those whom I have already been able to support, especially when you see that the tasks have been solved correctly.
What has been particularly challenging on your trip or during your stay so far?
Unlike in Germany, where one is used to everyday things „working,“ in Namibia you can be sure that things often turn out differently than you expect. So in all the steps houses we often struggle with missing water or power cuts. But in the end, there is usually a solution. One particular challenge for me remains the language. I have to keep being creative…
What has shaped your stay particularly?
Because my stay is so short, that is somewhat difficult to say. In any case, it is the smiling faces of the children, whether in the morning in kindergarten and preschool or in the afternoon in care during a game of Viking chess. But of course, the first encounters with giraffes, monkeys, and other wild animals are also part of it.
What has surprised you the most during your stay so far?
I really can’t say, as I came with as few preconceived notions about the people and the country as possible. One positive thing, in any case, has been the openness I have experienced so far.
As a large white person, I naturally stand out automatically. But it was no problem to sing, clap, or dance in a circle with the children. On both sides, we showed no inhibitions. Helping with mathematical problems is also getting better and better over time.
What should you definitely try when you are in Namibia?
I think it will be a visit to Etosha National Park. I hope to see many interesting animals in the wild. And without even trying: the spectacle in the sky every evening at dusk is breathtaking and also free of charge.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful that I was welcomed so warmly.
I wish...
For the rest of my time, I hope that I can play a lot with the children and teach them something (even if constantly lifting them up or carrying them around is not exactly easy on the back), and that we stay healthy in our volunteer community.
Dear Frank, we would like to sincerely thank you for your commitment with us in Okakarara! Your stay is a valuable asset for the steps team and the children. We wish you lots of joy on your onward journey.
