The first steps volunteer
Ivy was the first steps volunteer to come to Okakarara in 2008 - straight after finishing school, she got involved in helping others. In a short interview, she tells us exactly what she did and what she still remembers.
Who are you and when did you complete your assignment at steps for children in Okakarara?
Hello, my name is Ivy Boachie, I am 35 years old and almost 16 years ago I was a volunteer for a year with weltwärts in Okakarara at steps for children.
What were your tasks and what did you particularly like about them?
My main tasks were childcare and teaching. I supported the teachers in the classroom in preschool and afternoon care and in the afternoon I helped with activities such as homework help with various leisure activities. I also supported the PC lessons, the internet café and occasionally gave German lessons for adults and was involved in looking after the vegetable garden for the soup kitchen. What I particularly enjoyed was working with the children in the preschool and helping to put on the ERARI theatre play in the afternoon. The fact that I was able to work together with the children, young people and adults gave us the opportunity to share our experiences, knowledge, expertise, culture and other things, which was enriching for both sides. For example, I quickly learnt the Otjiherero language. I still know some of the words in the language today.
What do you remember - how did you spend your free time back then?
There are still many wonderful moments that I can remember very well. In my free time, I spent a lot of time travelling in the Okakara community. Most of the time I met up with friends and I was often at someone's house. At the weekends, there were several church activities that I took part in. For example, the youth choir and Bible studies were some of them. We volunteers also met up occasionally and travelled to the Namib Desert and other beautiful places, for example.
How did you hear about steps for children?
I was already pretty sure that I wanted to go abroad after school. Together with a friend, I applied to the DED weltwärts programme. When the steps project and other projects were suggested to me, I was very enthusiastic about the description of the concept and could only say yes to steps. From Namibia I hadn't heard much at the time. But I was very curious about what to expect.
When you think back to your time at steps in Namibia today - what goes through your mind?
Whenever I talk to other people about Namibia, I notice how my eyes light up with joy. steps has given me a lot for my future life. The stay at steps was a very nice experience for me as a young person, which I still treasure today and always carry in my heart.
Is there a highlight that you particularly remember?
One of my highlights was actually travelling through the country. At the time, four of us travelled for about two weeks in a rental car to see the Namibian landscape. We met great people and saw so much that was simply breathtaking. One of my favourite moments that I will never forget is the view of the Waterberg. Whenever I see it, I remember the warmth of the people and cows, goats and chickens, the music, the sour milk, the biltong, etc.
They say that if you travel to Namibia once, you will always come back. Did you return to Namibia again after your time as a volunteer?
I can only confirm that! Unfortunately, I haven't been there yet, but that will change soon.
What do you wish for the children in Okakarara and the children at steps for children in general?
I wish the children in Okakarara that they never lose their joy and steel in life and that they can lead a self-determined life that they can be proud of. I wish the whole community in Okakarara exactly the same and that they can look back on steps and say that it was definitely worth it to have been a part of such a great project.
Dear Ivy, thank you so much for giving us such wonderful insights into your stay at steps! We thank you for your commitment and wish you all the best for the future!
