Volunteering with children with disabilities Namibia

The dream of traveling to Africa is finally coming true!

For years I have dreamed of traveling to Africa for a longer period of time. In January 2015 the time had finally come. I searched the Internet for a long time for a suitable organization and apparently found it with RGV. I decided to do a 6 week trip. 4 weeks volunteering in Namibia and 2 weeks sightseeing in Cape Town. The organization of my trip (visa, vaccinations, etc.) went smoothly. The RGV team and Steffi from Namibia were there to help and advise me.

My arrival in Windhoek

I could not wait for it! In Windhoek I was supposed to work in an educational institution for children with disabilities. A true dream project for me! After I finally landed in Windhoek on February 1.2.2015st, 4, I was warmly welcomed by John – Steffi's husband. He drove me to the Student House in Windhoek West, which was to be my home for the next XNUMX weeks. We had a good chat along the way and John told me some exciting things about Namibia.

Living together and friendships with volunteers and students

The student house was quite nice and really well equipped by African standards. I got to know the other two volunteers directly, with whom I am still in contact today! We also got on really well with the students in the student house and we did something together from time to time. Although Windhoek is manageable, there are still many sights there. It's beautiful there

Rules of conduct for a glass of Rock Shandy

In the afternoon I finally got to know Steffi. She showed me the city and later told me everything about Namibia over a glass of "Rock Shandy" (a drink that I still miss in Germany). The history, the people, rules of conduct and what you should consider as a "tourist". She really took her time and then gave me a list of all the important phone numbers and addresses

My challenges as a teacher

The next day we drove to my project together. The facility is located in Komasdhal, a suburb of Windhoek. I got to know the teachers and was able to get in touch with some of the children. So the next 4 weeks promised to be exciting. From now on I was a "teacher" for the children. My job was to take care of a class of about 9 students. Some days there were only 5, other days 12 children.

The ages of the children also varied. Some were 7 or 8 years old, others 13-14 years old. Not an easy task to please everyone. I hardly had any material (a few wax crayons, various coloring books and an ABC board). There was no money for more. Of course I asked the teacher what I should teach. Every day she said "pick something". The teacher was also unable to give me any clear answers about the disabilities. Not an easy task, especially since I could only draw on my experience from internships etc. But I think I managed this task well.

My activities in the project

I taught the children the ABCs, counting and let them work with balloons that I had brought from Germany. Skill exercises like this were great fun for the children and me. In the course of the weeks a new volunteer was added. I admit that I was happy about it, because looking after the children alone was fun and a real enrichment, but it still pushed me to my limits. Together we did motor exercises with the children, tried to teach them new things in a playful way and also sang with the children from time to time and read them stories. Everyone had so much fun! Hearing the children laugh from the bottom of their hearts was really one of the most beautiful moments I was able to experience during my stay.

Unforgettable safaris

I went on various trips on the weekends. A tent safari through Etosha National Park with Wild Dogs and a lodge safari from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei with Camelion Safaris. Both trips were incredibly exciting and unforgettable experiences! Windhoek also offers many sights that you can see in one day. After 4 weeks - much too short - it was time to say goodbye.

Two weeks vacation in Cape Town

My "holiday" in Cape Town was coming up. With the Intercape I drove from Windhoek to Cape Town about 20 hours. The bus offered a lot of comfort. I had imagined the bus ride to be much worse. The two weeks in Cape Town also passed far too quickly. We girls from the then new Student House became friends immediately and did a lot together. Table Mountain, Lions Head, Long Street, Waterfront, Camps Bay. A detailed list of my experiences would go beyond the scope, since my experiences in Namibia are the main topic. :) Cape Town is a magnificent city that has an incredible amount to offer!

Conclusion: a personal enrichment

Looking back, these 6 weeks were really great! I experienced a lot and also learned a lot. I have seen great poverty, but on the other hand just as irrepressible joie de vivre. I now appreciate things that I almost took for granted before. I have experienced hospitality to the highest degree, both in Namibia and in Cape Town, and I still keep in touch with the people I met in both countries.

Would I go on this adventure again? - YES!

Volunteering with children with disabilities Namibia, report from Christina K., 9.12.15