Anna's report from a kindergarten in Namibia

And so the adventure begins

At 26.07.2018 the time had come: our adventure could begin. With great anticipation and a little nervousness, five of them went to Munich Airport to take off for Windhoek, Namibia. Despite the delay of our first flight, we arrived (more or less) relaxed in Namibia and were warmly welcomed at the airport!

Quite exhausted we arrived at our accommodation, the Volunteer House, and were welcomed there immediately. The 6-bed room was a small change, but you could quickly come to terms with it. Thanks to the help of the other volunteers, we soon found our way around and even I, as an absolutely disoriented person, knew the way to the city center after a very short time (but we usually chose the more comfortable option and took a taxi).

Free time on weekends

On our weekends we were able to take short trips that were quickly planned. Whether quad biking in the dunes near Swakopmund, a safari on horseback or a "normal" game drive, there was something for everyone. The information was often passed from volunteer to volunteer, which was really useful. Shuttles make it easy to reach the most popular tourist destinations if you don't want to rent a car yourself (which I can understand given the left-hand traffic that prevails there).

Last but not least - the work in the project

The real reason for the long planning and organization: the work as a volunteer. I was allowed to work in a kindergarten in the Katutura township of the capital Windhoek for four weeks. Katutura means "place where we don't want to live". It was created in the 50s as a result of apartheid and is so very different from the fairly German or European Windhoek itself.

It was incredibly fascinating and enriching for me to see the joie de vivre and enthusiasm for the smallest things (such as soap bubbles) the children radiate there. Despite or precisely because of the absolutely sub-optimal living conditions.

Our working day always started at 7 a.m. and we were picked up again at 14 p.m. In the meantime we were allowed to sing, paint, play and eat with the children. Storytelling has always been something special for me. The children were all told a story together, we sang and prayed together before we went to eat. The four weeks were very instructive and interesting for me!

My time in Namibia is unforgettable and I am grateful for the organization of RGV and the local contacts. Great praise to you!

The eye never forgets what the heart has seen. - Bantu proverb

Anna's report from a kindergarten in Namibia, by Anna H., October 2018