The almost silent interview with Carina

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Carina, weltwärts volunteer 2019/20 in Okakarara, reports about her almost all year in Namibia and answers our questions in a small interview. 

How did you feel the day after you arrived?
A mixture of disbelief, respect, excitement and confusion moved me. However, I did not really realize the return until a few weeks later. Pretty crazy!
How were you welcomed by the steps children after the vacation?
A warm welcome is there every day in the project. Most of the children run towards you and are happy to see the volunteers again. That's why morning was my favorite time of day, because my heart was immediately warm. Every day could really start like this!
How many tasks were you able to master each day?
Most of the time you started with one task and ended up with many more. There's always something going on in the project. The children demand a lot of attention, but small repairs or purchases also have to be made. Of course, afternoon classes also have to be prepared and the sewing room should be checked again for new things. And yikes? Suddenly there are guests at the door! Simply exciting! A little something new is experienced with every new task.
What was your favorite job?
I was very happy to help with homework help. It was always a bit like being at home because you knew all the children well. In addition, there was good air and shade in the building with the window open!
Would you recommend the FSJ to others?
Necessarily! I have had so many great experiences and learned a lot about dealing with other cultures. Such an FSJ is very individual and certainly rare in form.
How did you feel about your early departure?
Really now? At first everything seemed very surreal because the virus hadn't yet reached Namibia. Shortly thereafter, however, one understood what far-reaching consequences this could have. What bothered me the most was that right now I was going to need more than before and wanted to help my colleagues on site. It's a shame.
Do you miss Namibia?
Very! I would argue that this country and Okakarara in general will always have a place in my heart. The local people are now part of me and it hurts not to have them around me every day. I look back on a really great time!
What is your everyday life like now?
I am currently sewing masks for steps. Half of it is the cost of materials and the other half I donate. Otherwise I am active in a language tandem at Volunta. I am at home a lot and try to set new goals and tasks every day.
What have you learned in your time on site?
My greatest finding: family. No matter whether related or not, if you can trust each other and work together as a team, you can overcome every hurdle. Far away or direct neighbor. Older or younger. If you stick together and support each other, it's like a second small family!

Dear Carina, we thank you very much for your diverse engagement for steps for children in Namibia on site and of course also here in Germany!

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