Namibia
Why Namibia?
In 1989 we were in East London, South Africa for work reasons.
There, in addition to the fascinating landscapes, we discovered our love for southern Africa.
(Some call it the Africa virus)
At the time, South Africa was still under the apartheid regime. The political situation was volatile and we needed to be extremely cautious.
We researched the colonial history and, as we traveled through the country on weekends, we became increasingly aware of the abject poverty and how it affected the general population.
It wasn’t until 14 years later that we traveled to Namibia for the first time and fulfilled our dream.
We researched the colonial history and, as we traveled through the country on weekends, we became increasingly aware of the abject poverty and how it affected the general population. What awaited us there?
Beautiful landscapes, exotic animals and wonderful encounters with people who remain deep in our memory.
While traveling, we also learned about the effects of German colonial history in “German South West Africa.” Regardless of the impacts of this history, we continued to experience warm, friendly and helpful encounters with the various ethnic groups and peoples.
The stark difference between our European prosperity and the sunny survival strategy of the people there impressed us deeply.
We began our social commitment through Kindernothilfe in Maltahöhe, who sponsored children. We visited to see how the organization was run and to bring food to the children. There is simply nothing to eat for them during the holidays. After visiting the school, we teamed with school management and developed the Computer Room Project. To help build their resources, we donated discarded computers from our company, Schmalz.
It took more time than expected to move forward. In this project we learned a lot about “This is Africa”…(not quite like we are used to in Germany).
Namibia is a country richly blessed with potential energy. At the same time, it suffers from a lack of electricity, which is imported from South Africa, produced from fossil fuel.
While traveling, we also learned about the effects of German colonial history in “German South West Africa.” Regardless of the impacts of this history, we continued to experience warm, friendly and helpful encounters with the various ethnic groups and peoples.
The stark difference between our European prosperity and the sunny survival strategy of the people there impressed us deeply.
We began our social commitment through Kindernothilfe in Maltahöhe, who sponsored children. n . We visited to see how the organization was run and to bring food to the children. There is simply nothing to eat for them during the holidays. After visiting the school Daweb, we teamed with school management and developed the Computer Room Project. To help build their resources, we donated discarded computers from our company, Schmalz.
It took more time than expected to move forward. In this project we learned a lot about “This is Africa”…(not quite like we are used to in Germany).
Namibia is a country richly blessed with potential energy. At the same time, it suffers from a lack of electricity, which is imported from South Africa, produced from fossil fuel.
We have founded a charitable trust in Namibia.
We have had close ties with the Bitterwasser Lodge there and the town of Hoachanas next door for many years. One major goal is to improve the nutritional situation locally. Last year 36,000 children died in Namibia as a result of malnutrition! Other objectives are to improve educational opportunities and to create jobs locally. Improving the quality of life helps to prevent migration – from the countryside to the city and from Africa to Europe. The administration in Namibia is relatively low in corruption. In our projects, we consistently ensure that donations arrive directly on site and are only used for our intended purposes.
Our projects in Namibia
What happens next?
As we can provide capacity and resources, we think about:
Doubling the PV system in Hoachanas
The foundations have been created, the permits are in place, the grid can absorb the additional power, all that remains is to procure and install the PV modules and inverters.
Residential house construction project
Many of the poor people in Hoachanas live in miserable conditions.
It gets freezing cold in winter, unbearably hot in summer, and hygienic conditions are poor.
For the few who have achieved a good education, returning to Hoachanas is not very attractive.
“Social housing” would be very valuable for both population groups.
Vocational Training Vocational Center
Vocational training is the key to prosperity, health and independence.
Many young students are not able to continue their schooling.
Very few manage to get a degree and are left with few options.
Vocational Training could teach young people the skills they need to earn a living.