8 March 2021

Power of Locals

Power of Locals

This is the plan: to hand over responsibility for steps projects in Namibia to an ever greater extent into the hands of the Locals, so that we and our National Coordinator are then only available as advisors and points of contact.

Gobabis

Site manager Gobabis

Jackie Sanjath

Welcome Jackie! We are lucky to welcome the powerhouse Jackie Sanjath as the new manager of the carpentry workshop and administration as well in Gobabis. She took over responsibility for the guesthouse about a year ago and convinced us with her expertise. Business plans and tenders are nothing new to her, and overnight guests are also happy to return to Gobabis.

Rehoboth

Head of Otto Xamseb

Markel Xamses

Markel looks after, supports and challenges guardian angel children. She passed the computer skills certificate (ICDL test) and runs the computer school. She now also takes care of accounting and management. She is growing into the leadership role at Otto Xamseb House and continues to develop.

Founder and head of Bridge of Hope
Site manager Rehoboth

Milly Bock

Since 2018, Milly has been a reliable cooperation partner of steps for children. She was also always there for Markel when she had questions or was working on larger projects, worked together with her, supported her with advice and practical help, and passed on her accounting expertise. 

Sadly, Melvyrine Bock on 28 June 2021 passed away after a severe case of COVID-19. We miss her greatly as a committed partner at steps for children, and she leaves behind a huge gap that we cannot fill.

Okahandja

Project founder and head Ileni Tulikwafeni

Meme Kauna

Kauna is a very committed woman – not only in her project, but the community is also close to her heart. And that is why she is now also a municipal councillor of Okahandja. Congratulations, dear Kauna, we look forward to continuing to work with you.

Ongombombonde

Garden management and Finances

Hendrik Moroso and Cecilia Munago

We are pleased that Hendrik took over the garden in February, allowing us to look back on a successful harvest. Once a week, he comes from Otjiwarongo to implement further ideas. Cecilia keeps an eye on the costs, works in the garden and also goes along to sell the vegetables.

Okakarara

Office team

Sussie Nganjone

Eveline Ketjivandje

Project manager Sonja Schneider-Waterberg can rely on a really great office team in Okakarara. Under Sonja’s guidance, they not only organize all matters in the office, but are also points of contact for social workers, colleagues and students, organize regular processes and take care of communication within the team.

Otavi

Head of project site Otavi

Exeldra

Exeldra, the excellent “childminder” and outstanding caregiver, makes her home available to all the children every day. With such a small group, there was an opportunity throughout the entire year to meet and work on school assignments together. A wonderful group that grows closer and closer together every year, supporting and motivating one another.