Carina, weltwärts volunteer 2019/20 in Okakarara, tells us here about her almost full year in Namibia and answers our questions in a short interview.

How did you feel the day after your arrival?A mixture of disbelief, respect, excitement and confusion overwhelmed me. However, I didn’t truly realize that I was back until a few weeks later. Pretty crazy!
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How were you welcomed by the steps children after the holidays?​Every day, there is a warm welcome in the project. Most of the children run up to you and are happy to see the volunteers again. That’s why mornings were my favorite time of day, because they immediately warmed your heart. This is how every day could really begin!
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How many tasks were you able to complete each day?​Usually, you started with one task and had many more completed by the end. There is always something going on in the project. The children require a lot of attention, but small repairs and shopping also need to be taken care of. Of course, the afternoon lessons also have to be prepared, and the sewing room should be checked again for new things. And whoops? Suddenly there are guests at the door too! Simply exciting! Each new task also brought a little something new to experience.
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What was your favorite task?​I really enjoyed helping with homework support. It always felt a little like being at home, since you already knew all the children well. Besides, with the windows open, the building had fresh air and shade!
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Would you recommend doing an FSJ?​Absolutely! I was able to have so many wonderful experiences and learned a lot about interacting with other cultures. An FSJ is very individual and certainly rare in this form.
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How did you feel about your early departure?Seriously? At first, everything seemed very surreal, since the virus had not yet reached Namibia. Shortly afterward, however, you understood what far-reaching consequences this could have. What bothered me most was the thought that I would be needed even more than before right then, and that I really wanted to help my colleagues on site. Such a shame.
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Do you miss Namibia?Very much! I would say that this country and Okakarara in particular will always have a place in my heart. The people there are now part of me, and it hurts not to have them around me every day. I look back on a truly wonderful time!
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What makes up your daily life now?​At the moment, I am sewing masks for steps. One half covers the material costs, and I donate the other half. Otherwise, I am active in a language tandem at Volunta. I am at home a lot and try to set myself new goals and tasks every day.
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What did you learn during your time there?​My greatest realization: family. Whether related or not, if you can trust one another and work together as a team, you can overcome any obstacle. Far away or right next door. Older or younger. When people stick together and support one another, it is like a second small family!
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Dear Carina, we sincerely thank you for your multifaceted commitment to steps for children in Namibia on site and, of course, here in Germany as well!