Sarah in Namibia
Sarah is doing a short-term volunteering placement with steps for children in Namibia – but she will now tell you all about it herself. Not only for a whole Voluntary Social Year, you can also apply to us for a place for a few months.
Who are you and when did you join steps and at which location?
My name is Sarah and I have been in Okakarara with steps for children since the beginning of October 2023. I will be staying until the end of February and am looking forward to many new experiences and wonderful adventures.
Why did you decide to do a social year in Namibia?
My studies are already drawing to a close, so I wanted to take the opportunity to do something completely different. I find it exciting to get to know new cultures and can also imagine getting involved in development cooperation later on. Through acquaintances, I then heard about steps for children in Namibia and quickly decided to take a semester off again and help out with the project in Okakarara.
Which books did you use to prepare for your time in Namibia?
In preparing for Namibia, I listened to documentaries and podcasts from all over the place: some covered the history of Namibia from colonisation to independence. Others presented current structures or tips for round trips.
What is your favourite way to spend the evenings after your work at steps?
In the evenings, we usually spend time together and go for walks in Okakarara, watch films or play cards. We also cook and eat together. Every now and then, guests from Guest house join us, which makes for a pleasant change.
Are there any tasks that you particularly like at steps?
I particularly enjoy the art lessons. Here, each week we can independently think up new craft or painting projects that we do with the kids. It is lovely to see when one of the children really likes one of our ideas and is so engrossed in their work, then runs back into the classroom beaming with joy when it is finished.
Here Sarah helps the children in Ongombombonde with braiding and knotting friendship bracelets.
What has been particularly challenging on your trip or during your stay so far?
The first few days have been the most challenging for me so far. I had incredibly many new impressions and experiences to process and got to know a lot of new things.
What surprised you the most during your stay?
What particularly surprised me were the warm greetings from the people, whether in the project, where I was welcomed very well, or when walking through Okakarara.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for every happy smile and the beaming greetings from the kids. It always reminds me that I am in the right place here and shows me the special significance the project has for so many people here in Okakarara.
What should you definitely try when you are in Namibia?
With a cold mango oshikandela (a yoghurt drink), first watch the sunset during which incredibly red colours are painted into the sky here every evening. Later, lying on the warm stones, watch the stars and while doing so, the different Sounds and music in Okakarara listen.
I wish...
… that during my remaining time in Namibia I may continue to have such wonderful experiences and encounters as I have so far.
… that steps for children continues to exist for a long time and can grow, so that in future many children can also be given a chance at a good future.
Dear Sarah, thank you very much for your support on site at steps for children in Okakarara! We wish you an enriching and exciting further time with steps for children and in Namibia.
Would you like to do a short-term volunteer placement like Sarah?
Here you can find out about the FSJ or other opportunities to get involved with steps for children in Namibia. Or simply get in touch with us at info@stepsforchildren.de
