Experience report from the creative workshop in Namibia

As a teacher of textile crafts, I chose this project as part of my educational semester. I was looking for artisanal work with a meaningful purpose and an insight into African culture. The women's project far exceeded my expectations in every respect!

My entry into the creative workshop

I was warmly welcomed by Kauna, the manager, on my first day at work. She showed me the whole company with the work departments: the pottery, the glass recycling, the sewing and the batik dyeing. There is also a restaurant and a shop for visitors to the complex. I was allowed to have a say in which areas I would like to work in. I ended up spending two weeks tie-dying and one week each in the pottery and glass recycling.

My work in the project

I really enjoyed the manual work! I learned an incredible amount and will definitely try one or the other at home. Unfortunately, my assignment only lasted 4 weeks. Still, I was a welcome worker. This time is too short to bring in your own ideas. Since only "professionals" are on site and the project has been gradually built up for 25 years, it is very well organized.

The manufactured items sell very well in the shop and on various markets. Registered groups of tourists or various guests come by and look around the whole company. The longer I was there, the more often I offered German visitors a guided tour. The interest was always very high and for me a welcome change in everyday life. Initiative is greatly appreciated.

Communication in a variety of ways

Good knowledge of English is very helpful. Be it to understand what needs to be done or to start a conversation with the women. The women's interest in conversation varies greatly. While some like to talk, are happy to provide information and ask interested questions about our culture, others are more reserved and unapproachable. It requires sensitivity! The conversation with the deaf-mute women was also exciting. With improvised sign language and written English, I learned more from these women than I expected.

Impressions on the daily trip to my project

For me, the working days always began with the approximately 20-minute drive from my accommodation in Windhoek to Katutura. The trip and the culture change from the “rich” city center to the township to the poorest of the poor impressed me to the end. Matthew, the driver, was always reliable and easy to talk to. From him I learned a lot of exciting and sad things about the life of black people in the slums.

Morning prayer

Every morning, before starting work, the women meet in the sewing room to pray together. This ritual touched me deeply every day and I was grateful to be part of this community.

Another way of living

Depending on the work area, my work was physically demanding (e.g. dyeing the batik fabrics), my manual skills were required (working on the unfired flower pots) or I was allowed to express my creativity (making the glass bead jewellery). I was impressed by the patient African serenity, the implicitness of not doing anything and the personal conversations with the women.

My conclusion

For me, my time in Namibia was one of the most impressive and best things I have ever done in my life. The work with the women, the weekend trips to the beautiful Namibian landscape, the adventurous animal safaris and also the exchange with the other volunteers were an incredible enrichment for me. This time left a mark on my life and my heart forever.

An experience report by Anita H., who helped in the creative workshop in Namibia from April 2017 to May 2017.