Janina Zierer, board member of the Soroptimists from Münsterland, visited Namibia in 2017. This is how she found out about steps for children and its educational programmes for children in need.

Through a comprehensive presentation of our project work by our ambassador Tom Neukirchen, the Soroptimists were able to gain an insight into the concept and the support services offered in the crèche, kindergarten, preschool and afternoon support programs. They then decided to provide targeted support for the project because “the approach of income-generating and social steps is convincing all round. Working together on this basis to support the children’s education makes sense and is sustainable,” says Janina Zierer.

All proceeds from the annual „Blaugelber Salon“ concert series, where award-winning young musicians give a concert in an atmospheric setting, were donated to our project in Okakarara.

The money helps in a very practical way: a new modern kitchen cooker ensures quick and energy-saving preparation of the daily meals in the care centre; a wheelbarrow is needed for many tasks and two new office chairs enable the project manager and her colleague to work healthily at their desks.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the Soroptimists in Münsterland. Through their four-figure donation, they help ensure that the education and training of the steps children in Okakarara takes place under learning conditions that meet all the requirements for successfully completing school.

The Soroptimists (from the Latin “sorores optimae”, meaning “best sisters”) are one of the world’s largest service organizations for professional women. Their commitment to social and political issues is the central concern of the “best sisters”: in particular, they campaign for girls and women to have unhindered access to education and training, as well as for their economic independence and permanent employment opportunities. As an NGO, the Soroptimists are represented at national, European and international level in various UN sub-organizations.