Volunteer work in kindergarten in Namibia Experience report

My wish becomes reality!

My name is Anita W. and I work full-time in the forwarding industry. For a long time I had wanted to go abroad for a month to get to know a foreign country and a new culture. I wanted to combine this experience with a social project. After a long research I came across the organization RGV, which really appealed to me. Since I wanted to start my journey alone, I chose one of the safest countries in Africa - Namibia. Since I really wanted to get to know the culture, I chose to stay with a host family.

The best experiences of my life!

In short – it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life! If you make the decision to go abroad alone, you have to be aware that you MUST be open to new things. Every country has its own culture and mentality - if you are aware of this and open to it, you will be welcomed in a friendly and warm manner. – It always depends on how you meet people.

Super supervised on site

I also felt very well looked after by the contact persons of the organization on site. Steffi and John pay close attention to the welfare of their volunteers. In the orientation program (the first two days) Steffi told me everything about the history and the country, we also went to a museum - all of this helped me to understand the country better and to feel safe in this foreign country Location.

My volunteer work in Namibian kindergarten

I worked in a kindergarten. I opted for the group of 4-5 year olds (giraffe class), which housed about 50 children (this was also the largest group in the kindergarten). There is a strict plan that the teachers stick to - they pray, teach (numbers, colours, ABC), eat, play, sing and dance. In order to be involved in the curriculum from the beginning one has to take the initiative and offer one's help to the teachers.

But the children approach you on their own – they are very curious and admire white people. They want to touch and caress you, for the little ones birthmarks are something out of the ordinary. – It is really very exciting and interesting to be able to explain and show you all this. My best experience in kindergarten was the dance festival. (Here the little ones had to train for a competition). The tribal dances were performed, the teachers played the drums and everyone else clapped and sang - I also had to prove myself in this group - this was really a special and great event.

Two unforgettable safaris

In my free time I also booked two safaris - once I was in the Etosha National Park, where you can see all the wild animals in their natural environment. The second safari went to Sossusvlei (the red sand dunes) - here the most beautiful places in Namibia are shown. I can also recommend a day trip to Dann Viljoen. (KM outside of Windhoek). Here you can admire the landscape of Namibia. With a bit of luck you might see one or the other Oryx. There is also a small pool and a restaurant here.

Additional leisure activities

Other days I just went into town, here you can find all the necessary things. You can also go out for good food (e.g. Joe's beerhouse, Kubata)

Once I was in a more local restaurant where I was allowed to taste the typical PAP.

In the Hilton you can enjoy a beautiful view. In the Ink Palace it is easy to enjoy the beautiful greenery on a Sunday afternoon and if you have a few days left you can visit the Owela Museum or art museums or just buy some souvenirs at the Himbadamen street market or the Woodcraft market.

Conclusion to my stay abroad: to anyone recommendable!

I can recommend a trip to Namibia to everyone (including those who, like me, want to travel alone). It is a wonderful country that can take your breath away. On the one hand the wildlife, where you can't get enough of it. Furthermore, the people and their attitude towards life. They all live with a certain calm and contentment. They are open to all nationalities and look forward to travelers who tell about their homeland. The children who give you the greatest gift every day - a smile! All these great things have made me a lot stronger and showed myself what I'm capable of.

With this in mind, I would also like to thank my host family for this wonderful experience and their support!

Volunteer work in kindergarten in Namibia Experience report by Anita W.