Clenda – steps student from Windhoek
Student Clenda recounts how she started at the steps for children kindergarten in Okakarara as a young child and is now able to pursue her life's path independently. She shares how the support and encouragement she received during her early childhood helped her continue her education and get closer to her goals. Today, Clenda is a student and reflects on how her experiences and the support she received back then have positively shaped her life.
"When I finished my kindergarten and preschool years at steps in Okakarara, I was selected by steps for children as one of the first children to be part of the Guardian Angel program. steps paid my school fees, bought me the school uniform I needed for school, as well as stationery and other school materials. At the education center, we also had afternoon classes where we did our homework and also did some extracurricular activities with other steps children. We were given lunch every day after school before we started afternoon classes. I attended primary school in Okakarara from grades 1 to 7 and was supported by steps for children throughout my school years.
When I finished primary school, I went to secondary school in Otjiwarongo, a small town—not really small, but it is an up-and-coming town near Okakarara.
I completed my secondary school there because steps knew I would receive a good education there, better than at a school in Okakarara. We only have one secondary school in Okakarara, but there are more and better secondary schools in Otjiwarongo. steps looked after me there too: They bought me school uniforms, stationery, and food, as I lived in a hostel during the week. They also paid my school fees.
When I finished secondary school, I didn't have the grades I needed to start my desired course of study. So, Steps for Children paid for my NAMCOL again. NAMCOL is a school where you can improve your matric (high school diploma) so you can start a specific course of study. It's a school where, through retaking exams and prior classes, you can get the grades you need to be admitted to your desired course of study.
In 2020, I finally achieved the score I wanted. So, my path led me to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, where I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in education. I will be a math and science teacher for grades four through seven.
I am also in a choir – sometimes we sing in other cities, for example in Okahandja. I also did an internship in my second and third year in okakarara at a school and will do one in my final year as well.
I'm currently a final-year student – thanks to Steps for Children! I know I wouldn't be able to do it without Steps because my parents can't afford it.
I'm a role model for my younger siblings—they want to be like me, they've learned so much. I know it will be difficult for them to finish school. My parents are really proud of me because I'm the first child in my family to finish school. And I'm the first to go to university."
Together for educational opportunities.