Travel recommendation from Sophie Allerkamp
In March 2024, I had the opportunity to visit all the steps for children projects in Namibia as part of a 10-day project trip. I accompanied foundation founder Dr Michael Hoppe and board member Andreas Roß and not only got to know the various educational institutions personally, but also the dedicated project managers who put their heart and soul into the steps projects.
For example, I went shopping with Markel Xamses, our project manager in Rehoboth at Otto Xamseb. She bought an Easter bunny - but only because she was thinking directly of „her“ children and wanted to make these bunnies with them. Two weeks later, when I was already back in Germany, I received a photo with lots of smiling children and the Easter bunnies they had made.
It shows the deep commitment and connection she has to the children in her project. The joy and gratitude I saw in the photo when the children proudly presented their self-made Easter bunnies made me realise how important these small gestures are in the children's lives.
During my discussions with Ulrike Mai, our former National Coordinator with many years of experience in Namibia, and Sonja Schneider-Waterberg, our new National Coordinator, I gained valuable insights into the challenges of the country and the needs of the local people.
I was particularly impressed by the visit of some steps students during the 18th birthday of our founding project in Okakarara. These are students who have been financially supported by steps since the crèche and are constantly accompanied on their educational path. These young women, who grew up in the most difficult conditions, beamed with pride as they talked about their plans to become nurses or teachers and encouraged the younger children to learn. The day before, I visited some families in the informal settlements. In the tin huts there was no running water, no electricity and usually only a thin mattress on the dusty floor with a bucket in front of it for washing. The perseverance of the young students and their determination are inspiring and show the positive impact of our work.
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I can recommend it to everyone, who are interested in development co-operation to visit the steps for children facilities in Namibia. Whether through a Social leave or by a Traineeship - This experience will not only deepen your understanding of the challenges on the ground, but also strengthen your conviction that education is the key to sustainable development.
