19-year-old Tabea Schmitz from Baden-Württemberg has been working for steps as a volunteer in Okakarara (Namibia) since August 2017. In an interview, she talked about her experiences in the project.
Wie bist du auf steps for children aufmerksam geworden?
Tabea Schmitz: Bei dem Vorstellungsgespräch bei meiner Entsendeorganisation wurden verschiedene Einsatzstellen vorgestellt, darunter auch steps for children. Das Projekt hat mir gleich zugesagt und so habe ich mich auf diese Stelle beworben.
Why Namibia/Africa?
Tabea Schmitz: I already lived in the D.R. Congo from the age of six to eleven. That is why I developed a strong connection to Africa at an early age. After graduating from high school, I wanted to discover, experience and explore part of Africa for myself.
I consciously decided to choose a different country.
Ultimately, Namibia was chosen because I felt that God had led me there.
Why did you choose steps for children?
Tabea Schmitz: As already mentioned, I immediately liked the project. I was also impressed by the
variety of the work. So I decided to come here.
How long have you been working here as a volunteer?
Tabea Schmitz: I have been working as a volunteer at Steps for Children since 13 August 2017.
What do you like about the project?
Tabea Schmitz: I like that it gives the children a real chance, takes them seriously and focuses on their well-being.
At the same time, sustainability is an important topic, as is the prospect of becoming independent of donations.
I find that impressive.
Which area do you work in?
Tabea Schmitz: I work in four areas: kindergarten/ECD/Preschool, after-school care, the
office and the guesthouse. The last two areas
overlap.
Describe a typical working day at steps for children.
Tabea Schmitz: For us volunteers, the working day starts at 8 a.m. First, we supply the
kitchen with its daily ration of sugar and oil. Then we do sports with one of the five kindergarten groups.
This group is then divided into two groups. One half does sports, the other Numberland.
Later, they switch.
At around 9:30 a.m., we go to the office and complete various tasks:
contact with guests of the Self-Catering Accommodation (including taking bookings, sending invoices, etc.)
working in the copy shop, preparing accounts, preparing afternoon lessons, sorting various things,
going shopping and taking care of all other organisational tasks that arise.
From around 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, we do art with one of the kindergarten classes.
Afterwards, there are either more tasks to complete or a lunch break.
From 2 p.m. to around 4 p.m., after-school care takes place. We are responsible for the fifth to seventh grades.
Our working day ends at around 4:30–5 p.m.
What will you take away from your time at steps for children?
Tabea Schmitz: I will take a lot away from my time at Steps and from Namibia in general: for example,
appreciating the little things, even greater openness towards other cultures,
thoughts and ways of life, teamwork as the most important element for the success of a
project, overcoming language barriers and, of course, the joy of working with
children.
Dear Tabea, thank you very much for the interview and for your great work in the steps project!
