Carina, a weltwärts volunteer in 2019/20 in Okakarara, reports here on almost her whole year in Namibia and answers our questions in a short interview. 

How did you feel the day after your arrival? A mix of disbelief, respect, excitement and confusion washed over me. I only really realised that I was back a few weeks later, though. Quite crazy!
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How were you welcomed by the steps children after the holidays? A warm welcome is there in the project every day. Most of the children run towards you and are happy to see the volunteers again. That’s why the morning was my favourite time of day, because it immediately warmed the heart. Every day should start like that!
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How many tasks were you able to manage each day? Most of the time, you started with one task and had many more done by the end. There is always something going on in the project. The children need a lot of attention, but small repairs or shopping also have to be done. Of course, the afternoon lessons need to be prepared too, and you should also check the sewing room for new things. And oops? Suddenly there are guests at the door too! Just exciting! With every new task, you also experience something new.
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What was your favourite task? I really enjoyed helping with homework support. It always felt a bit like being at home, as you already knew all the children well. In addition, there was good air and shade in the building with the window open!
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Would you recommend the FSJ? Absolutely! I was able to have so many great experiences and learned a lot about dealing with other cultures. An FSJ like this is very individual and certainly rare in this form.
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How did you experience your early departure? Really? At first everything seemed very surreal, as the virus had not yet reached Namibia. Shortly afterwards, however, it became clear what far-reaching consequences that could have. What bothered me most was the thought that I would have been needed even more now than before and really wanted to help the colleagues on site. Very sad.
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Do you miss Namibia? Very much! I would say that this country, and Okakarara in general, 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 does your everyday life look like now? I am currently sewing masks for steps. Half covers the material costs and the other half I donate. Otherwise, I am active with Volunta in a language tandem. 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 on site? My biggest realisation: family. Whether related or not, if you can trust one another and work together as a team, you can overcome any hurdle. Far away or next-door neighbour. Older or younger. When you stick together and support each other, it is like a second little family!
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Dear Carina, we thank you warmly for your wide-ranging commitment to steps for children in Namibia on site and, of course, here in Germany too!