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Dear steps friends,
The year is not that old yet, and still incredibly much has already happened. At our locations, the volunteers are in action full of energy, in Gobabis an art project thrilled the children, and right in January, thanks to a supporter’s special initiative, steps was able to take part in a football event with a raffle in support of steps. Perhaps you have already followed some of these moments on our social channels.
We also asked Clenda, a former Schutzengel child/steps student, how she is doing at the moment and what is on her mind - you can find her answers in the interview further below.

And one more important update from Hamburg: The steps office is moving. From 1 April 2026, you will find us in Hamburg-Altona, right by the station.

We now wish you lots of enjoyment reading and discovering.
Cordially
Michael Hoppe

+ + WE ARE MOVING + +

New address from 01/04/2026:
Postal address:
steps for children foundation

c/o Regus Altona
Ottenser Hauptstraße 2-6
22765 Hamburg

Visitor entrance:
Hahnenkamp 1

Clenda - how are you?

It is now already a few months ago, since Clenda, a former ststeps sponsored child and steps student, last year her degree completed has.

Since then has she a lot experienced and was even in Germany. We have she for a a short update asked!



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As the first former Schutzengel child, Clenda has managed to graduate from a university - with the support of steps and many Schutzengel who continuously accompanied her educational journey. We are very grateful for that.

Help us to welcome more children into the Guardian angel programme program and enable education, vocational training, and care for our currently more than 200 children in this program.

Become a Schutzengel now and give children from the poorest backgrounds the gift of education.
€31 per month for one Schutzengel child

When machines reach their limits

The next step for our sewing workshop: Two of our sewing machines have reached the end of their service life after many years of continuous operation. Now we need replacements so that our workshop can continue to provide families with a sustainable livelihood as an income-generating step.

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When machines reach their limits
What we need now
In addition to our modern embroidery machine, we now also need powerful sewing machines that can withstand daily workshop operations. To further develop our sewing workshop and secure stable incomes, we would like to purchase two robust, durable machines designed for long-term use.

Planned purchase of:
  • 2 robust, industrial-grade sewing machines
  • Cost per machine: 10,400 NAD (approx. €550)
  • Total cost: approx. €1,100
How you can help
With your donation, you not only help us with a purchase —
you help us take this income-generating step to the next level and make it sustainable in the long term.

Social Holiday in Gobabis – how a request turned into a creative project

A few weeks ago, we received a special message: Linda was planning a three-week stay in Namibia and was looking for a way to make a meaningful contribution despite the short time. Through the page Participate in Namibia she came across the social holiday – and got in touch with us with a wonderful idea. Since Linda is a professional filmmaker, studied art education, and regularly leads workshops …

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Frank in Namibia

Frank in Namibia
People like Frank show how valuable personal commitment is for our projects in Namibia. His short but intense stay in Okakarara opens a window into the everyday lives of our children, the challenges on site, and the many small moments that make our work so meaningful. With an open heart, curiosity, and a great willingness to get involved, Frank not only supported, …

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Mia in Namibia

Mia is currently volunteering short-term with steps for children in Okakarara, Namibia. She actively supports the soup kitchen, afternoon classes, and childcare on site — in the daily life of the education center. In a short interview, you can get to know her and her everyday life at steps: Please briefly and meaningfully introduce yourself: Who are you? My name is Mia Seitner, …

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Mia in Namibia

Christmas donation campaign of the volunteers
- this makes the children happy

Our volunteers organized a really great fundraising campaign for Christmas: together they collected various wooden puzzles, building blocks, and other wooden toys. A huge success, which also surprised the children in the new school year right away.
Two of the four are in Okakarara until mid-year, one is already on the road again, and Antonia has been with steps in Gobabis since the beginning of the year. Here too, she brought wooden toys for the children.
We thank our supporters from the bottom of our hearts for your wonderful participation in the fundraising campaign.


Dear Isabell, Paula, Antonia, and Lina – your commitment means an incredible amount to us and to the children. Thank you for your impressive
and so valuable dedication.

🎁 This is how you can start a fundraising campaign too 🎁

Start your own fundraising campaign or team up with others, just as our volunteers did – for a birthday, Mother’s Day, an anniversary, Easter, or any special occasion. Choose a project of your choice and share the campaign with family, friends, and colleagues – easily via social media or messenger. The kids are thrilled!

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On the ball for steps for over 9 years

The year started with a big football campaign: at the Cup of Legends in Oldenburg, signed jerseys from, among others, Khalid Boulahrouz, Aaron Hunt, Aílton, Dennis Diekmeier, Ivica Klasnić, Max Kruse, Felix Kroos, Karim Bellarabi, Nelson Valdez, Naldo, Torsten Frings, Falko Götz, Thomas Schaaf, and Nico-Jan Hoogma were raffled off, which could be won with us on Instagram gewinnen konnte.
The football jersey raffle was initiated and enthusiastically carried out by our long-time supporter Simon Vollmer. He has already been to Namibia several times, got to know our steps children at the various locations there, and since then has made a big difference with a lot of heart and dedication. Together with his business partner, he has been organizing a charity golf tournament for nine years now, the proceeds of which benefit the children in Namibia.

Dear Simon, we thank you very much for your extraordinary commitment and your support in so many areas. Whether on the golf course or the football field – it is impressive how much enthusiasm and energy you bring to supporting the children and young people.

Thanks to the time, skill, and enthusiasm of the supporters of the campaign, we were able not only to take part in a fantastic event as part of our prize campaign, but above all to achieve one thing: a smile on the faces of our steps children in Namibia.
What was a moment for us means so much more to them – connection, appreciation, and joy.
A heartfelt thank you goes to:

manymany motion GmbH
For your passionate pro bono dedication and the impressive footage that made our work visible – at the event and far beyond.

OCCASIO GmbH
For the generous provision of the jerseys, which sparked sporting enthusiasm and strengthened the connection between here and Namibia.

Burdenski Events
For your energy and the wonderful opportunity, to let steps take part in this event.

We would also like to sincerely thank Dennis Krepel with his Instagram account @Fußballfreunde_Geestland, who supported us throughout the entire raffle and beyond with his reach, especially through collaborative posts and assistance.
Are you convinced by steps? Then send our newsletter to friends and acquaintances who should definitely get to know steps. Thank you very much!
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Click here for the English version

The steps for children foundation was established in Hamburg in 2005 by Dr Michael Hoppe. It is now active in eight locations in Namibia and Zimbabwe, where it is committed to improving educational opportunities for girls and boys from poor neighbourhoods. Over 2,000 children can take part in education and have a warm meal every day at steps and its partner projects.

We would also like to point out that in order to save personnel and resources, which we would like to use in Namibia, we will issue and send you the donation receipts in the first quarter of the following year. For donations of up to EUR 300.00, the corresponding bank statement can also be submitted to the tax office as simplified proof of donation. If a donation receipt is required earlier, please send an enquiry to info@stepsforchildren.de send.

With best regards
Michael Hoppe
(Chairman of the Management Board)

Donation account:

Hamburg Savings Bank

IBAN: DE44 2005 0550 1238 1497 26 BIC: HASPDEHHXXX
PayPal: paypal@stepsforchildren.de or at www.stepsforchildren.de

steps for children foundation

Bramfelder Str. 77 in 22305 Hamburg
T +49 (0) 40 389 027 - 88
info@stepsforchildren.de

www.stepsforchildren.de

Editor: Marie Schnaidt
Responsible for the content: Dr Michael Hoppe
Photos: © steps for children, unless otherwise noted