Report of the 1st Chairman after the visit to Namibia
Overall, I, Joachim Knoche, was able to accomplish a lot and make a lot of progress during my five weeks in Namibia. The coronavirus pandemic was no longer a major issue in Namibia; many masks were worn as a nice neck brace. But unfortunately, new infections are currently rising again, and restrictions are now being enforced more strictly.
I will try to give you some initial brief feedback on three points.
1)I was able to visit many of the 70 schoolchildren supported by the association in their dormitories and talk to them about their concerns and problems. Some weren't present because only half the students are in class at any one time.
2)During the COVID-19 lockdown, we were able to bring approximately €12,000 in aid to Namibia. In addition to the 1,700 masks sewn by local women, we were able to distribute more than 300 large food packages. These packages were very important to all those who received them, but they also aroused a lot of envy among others. Emergency aid is only suboptimal, even when distributed by local officials.
It's especially important to us to encourage people's initiative. That's why I've repeatedly raised awareness of the local market in Okombahe. Many people there produce beautiful things (textiles, handicrafts, but also vegetables, eggs, chickens, etc.), but they have nowhere else to sell them. Only through a local market can their money stay in the community.
3)Many disadvantaged children and young people in Okombahe need a day center to receive support services. In the medium term, we would like to build a day center there that meets two requirements: First, approximately 30 needy and neglected children will be registered by their parents, and then required to attend from midday to evening to receive meals and receive academic support. Second, the center will also be open to day visitors, who will be able to use the facilities (Wi-Fi, computers, homework support, learning opportunities, and sports activities, etc.) for a small fee. The management of this larger day center can only be assumed by a well-trained person (management and pedagogy), who will also live there in a new apartment.
Why is the chairman flying to Namibia?
Joachim and Margret Knoche's stay in March was already marked by the lockdown of schools and kindergartens in Namibia.
1)Since they haven't had the opportunity to meet all 70 schoolchildren they support and speak with those responsible, they plan to do so now. These personal relationships are important to the organization. This is the only way for the students to understand that the donations the organization receives from them aren't something to be taken for granted, even in Germany.
2)In recent months, the association has distributed additional food packages worth over €12,000 and had face masks manufactured. Now the aid needs to be evaluated, and together with the people, it needs to be considered how to strengthen self-help. Do additional water wells in Okombahe make sense? The association can build these with the help of an expert who is also a member of the association. But is this legally permitted, how expensive are they, and what requirements must be observed during construction? Are there gardens that are already being cultivated communally and for which an additional well would be the necessary help to operate economically? These gardens could then also regularly supply the association's two or three soup kitchens in Okombahe.
3)A discussion should be held with those affected locally in Okombahe about what the soup kitchen children need during the holidays or in the afternoons after school. A possible day center for these children is planned, where they can receive homework support and other educational support. But what do the local people think about this? Is a larger day center in the center of town more sensible, or are three smaller facilities in the widely spread town of Okombahe more appropriate? What building sites or facilities can the administration allocate to the association and under what conditions? Only then can construction and the search for qualified staff begin.
4)In addition, there are many children supported by the association in Okombahe who fail their schooling and end up hanging around on the streets or becoming casual workers. Swakopmund offers these young people the opportunity to receive three-month to two-year vocational training at a reasonable price. The framework for this must be established, both for housing and support in Swakopmund, as well as for the selection of the young people and their personal initiative. To what extent can they support the community of Okombahe or other people after completing their training?
5)The association currently has three projects with external financing that are not yet completed. Different discussions are ongoing for all three projects.
6)Two exchange projects (a school partnership and a project trip) have been postponed from this year to next year, and a work camp for young adults is planned for 2021. All three exchange trips need to be prepared, discussed, and planned in more detail. Which staff members are available on site? How will the exchanges be structured?
7)As the "Namibia Support Association eV" based in Pfedelbach, the association requires legal representation in Namibia, either a branch of the German association in Namibia or a new association structure there. To make this decision, we are seeking legal information and consulting with a law firm.
8)Since the German tax office requires a receipt for every euro spent in Namibia, a lot of evidence has to be collected again.
9)While the chairman is in Okombahe, Namibia, confirmations are taking place in the Protestant congregation there, which some parents of the confirmands from Untersteinbach have supported. This way, recent photos and personal greetings from the Untersteinbach congregation can be brought along.
10) Last but not least, many personal relationships with former students and friends in Namibia have existed for years. These relationships take time to nurture.
A long list of tasks that need to be addressed and considered. In retrospect, we'll see what was possible. I would be grateful if you would accompany me in prayer or with kind thoughts.
If you are interested in reports from the trip, please write your interest to kontakt@namibia-verein.de.
NAMIBIA – für junge Erwachsene
Interkulturelle Begegnungsreise mit Workcamp
Der Namibia-Unterstützungsverein möchte im August/September 2021 eine dreiwöchige Begegnungsreise mit einem Workcamp in Okombahe durchführen.
Sechs junge Erwachsene im Alter von 18 bis 30 Jahren können an der Reise teilnehmen, die mit einer Zeit in Windhoek beginnt. Bei einem zweiwöchigen Arbeitseinsatz zusammen mit jungen namibischen Erwachsenen in Okombahe sollen Spielplätze für Kinder und Jugendliche repariert und hergestellt werden. In der Zeit besteht auch die Möglichkeit sich in sozialen Kinderprojekten einzubringen. Während der Zeit steht neben dem gemeinsamen Arbeiten besonders die Begegnung mit jungen Namibiern und deren Lebensweise im ländlichen, einfachen und ursprünglichen Okombahe im Vordergrund. Den Abschluss bildet eine mit den jungen Namibiern gemeinsame Safaritour in das Damaraland und in die Etoscha-Pfanne.
Alle, die sich für diese Reise interessieren, sind bereit in dieser Zeit einfach zu leben und mit jungen Namibiern Kontakte aufzubauen.
Der Flug und der abschließende touristische Teil wird von den Teilnehmern selbst getragen, währende die gemeinsame Zeit in Okombahe und die Transportkosten im Land bezuschusst werden. Margret und Joachim Knoche, die selbst für 8 Jahre in der Gegend gelebt haben, werden diese Reise mit einem jungen Ehepaar aus Öhringen zusammen leiten.
Bei Interesse schreiben Sie bitte, an den Namibia-Unterstützungsverein unter Kontakt
Namibia is no longer a risk country
Notes from Namibia from 19 October 2020
Since October 15, 2020, the German Federal Foreign Office has no longer issued a specific travel warning for Namibia. The number of new infections and deaths from COVID-19 has steadily declined in Namibia in recent weeks. The current incidence rate for Namibia is stabilizing at 15, so from an epidemiological perspective, the Robert Koch Institute no longer issues a travel warning from Germany.
At the end of September, the state of emergency in Namibia was lifted by the president. Since then, everyday life has returned to normal. The borders are also partially open; all arrivals must report their whereabouts for the first seven days and undergo another COVID-19 test after five days.
In mid-September, we received another call for help from Okombahe. This time, it was from younger adults asking for food rations. Most of them are unemployed migrant workers from the coastal region or other cities where they lost their jobs during the lockdown and therefore returned to their hometown and their families in Okombahe.
Through the Protestant Church, we again distributed 63 large food packages (for €1,650) to young adults and their families. This was a typical coronavirus-related relief effort that was urgently needed, but now, as life returns to normal, becomes unnecessary.
Thank you for your special donations, which have enabled us to provide generous support over the past six months. We have distributed food packages and had face masks manufactured for over €12,000. If you would like to help with the association's projects, please feel free to transfer money to our association account.
Critical mark again undercut.
Current notes from Namibia from 14 September 2020
In August, the number of new coronavirus infections rose significantly in all regions of Namibia, but especially in the capital, Windhoek. Therefore, President Hage Gaingob has reimposed greater restrictions on the entire country in recent weeks. The borders are still closed to tourists, and only final-year students are attending regular classes in schools. However, since the end of August, the number of new infections has been slowly but steadily declining. Hospitals also report no dramatic overcrowding. Across the country, the number of new infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the last seven days has now fallen below the critical mark of 50. In mid-August, this figure was just under 80.
As of today (September 14), all students are returning to school, and kindergartens have also reopened. All with social distancing and wearing face masks.
The soup kitchens have been able to continue operating in recent months with a hygiene concept. The only significant difference compared to before is that significantly more children, young people, adults, and the elderly are now coming to our three soup kitchens to get food. Yvonne, Pastor Andreas' wife, speaks of 300 people per meal; previously, her soup kitchen served around 45 secondary school students. Albertina also reports significantly more visitors. This prompted us as an association to provide additional support. Both soup kitchens can now purchase food from the grocery store in Omaruru for larger amounts, and at the end of August, another 60 larger food packages were distributed to needy families in Okombahe. One such food package can feed several people for one to two weeks.
In Omaruru, we are also temporarily supporting a soup kitchen at the church, which prepares ready-made meals and distributes them in sturdy containers. The 110 children pick up the food and bring it home, where others are waiting for their meals.
Thanks to your special donations, we were able to provide an additional €4,500 over the last two months for extra meals and hygiene measures in Okombahe. Sewing washable face masks also helps some women in Okombahe earn a little extra income.
People are very grateful for this, as many no longer have any income. This particularly applies to day laborers, all employees in the tourism sector, all employees in church student dormitories, but also to pastors, who are expected to survive on the meager offerings of parishioners who have nothing themselves.
Thank you for your generous donations. It's wonderful that there are so many people who go above and beyond their own needs to support people in the Global South. If you would like to help with the association's projects, please feel free to transfer money to our association's account.
Summer vacation in Namibia?
Current Notes from Namibia 2 August 2020
No, thank you! It's definitely not possible this summer. The Federal Foreign Office still has a travel warning in place until at least August 31st, but Namibia is also not allowing tourists into the country yet.
What are the latest developments in Namibia?
Now, in the winter months, when it's damp and cold on the coast, the number of infected people is rising significantly: In the last 7 days, there were 538 new infections, which, with a population of approximately 2.3 million, is a rate of 23.4 per 100,000 people. This isn't alarming, especially since the hospitals aren't fuller than usual and there have only been 10 deaths with coronavirus symptoms so far. Also, testing is quite extensive and regular in Namibia, unlike in many other countries.
President Hage Gaingob announces the new measures every two weeks. Grades 10-12 will remain in school and prepare for their final exams, while grades 1-9 will not return until the end of August. Gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted, including weddings, church services, and funerals. Team sports are permitted, but without spectators. Only the urban districts of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and Arandis have stricter restrictions, as over 90% of those infected come from these areas. read more
A bus for a school in the African bush
Due to South African apartheid, the Martin Luther High School had to be relocated in 1969 from the town of Karibib, which had been declared a "whites-only" area, to near Okombahe, the Damara homeland. This boarding school was allowed to be built with a special permit at this former mission school, where at the time predominantly white teachers taught black students, far away from any other "white" settlement. The town of Omaruru, 70 km away, had the infrastructure every school needed: a railway station from which students were picked up, a post office where the mail was stored, and, of course, food and supply stores. At that time, a Mercedes-Benz 1113 truck was converted so that 70 students and their luggage could be transported on the back. It was a dusty affair, but the transport and the singing of the 70 young people on their "lorry" made history. Joachim Knoche, who taught at the school with his wife for eight years in the 1990s, often rode on the truck himself.
Image: The Mercedes-Benz Lorry from 1969
For almost 50 years, the students were transported on this robust vehicle until it was beyond repair. For two years, the need was great when no larger vehicle was available for this boarding school in the middle of the bush. Together with the Bosch Foundation "Cents for help eV," the Namibia Support Association was able to help.
Even before the strict lockdown, the association donated €20,000 for a refurbished, used Mercedes bus, a 38-seater with a luggage compartment, which had been chauffeuring tourists through Namibia for the past 20 years. The Namibian Protestant Church, which runs the school, and the school itself were delighted.
Current Notes from Namibia 13 July 2020
In Namibia, too, the motto is "wait and see," if you have the tea. The coronavirus numbers are developing very differently in Namibia, and the measures have been adjusted accordingly.
Today, July 13, 785 infections, one death, and 800 people are currently in quarantine have been confirmed. The majority of these come from the wintry, wet, and cold Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and these urban districts remain under stricter lockdown. In most parts of the country, the easing of restrictions is taking effect; most students are back in school, and life in general is returning to normal. Only the tourists, who are crucial for the jobs of approximately one in three people in Namibia, are missing. National tourism is taking place, but most hotels, lodges, and nature reserves cannot survive on it. The international airports are also currently closed. The national airline, Air Namibia, has been under discussion again since last week. As of today, there is a new CEO, Theo Mberirua, who is said to have already saved other companies. Everyone can imagine what this means: further layoffs and cost-cutting. The airline needs more than €400 million to be saved and become profitable again. The formerly daily flights to Frankfurt will probably only be able to get out of the red in the medium term through a joint venture, possibly with Lufthansa.
A few weeks ago, the government announced that it would fly in approximately 1,000 tourists for testing in mid-July. They would be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result less than 72 hours old upon entering the country. A potential quarantine would put an end to short-term tourism. However, the German travel warning is still in place.
Thus, Namibian society must focus on itself for the time being. And perhaps that's a good thing! read more
In February, before Margret and Joachim Knoche traveled to Namibia for a month in March to work on the association's projects, the children and parents of the Heuberg kindergarten learned a lot about Namibia, the children's lives, the animals, and the local customs at two information events hosted by the association's chairman. There was great interest in the two rural African kindergartens and the toy library—a room with educational toys. The teachers gave Joachim Knoche a wonderful, self-assembled folder with many pictures and information about the Heuberg kindergarten, a recorded carnival song, and a few personal donations. read more
Current Notes from Namibia June 6, 2020
Since the beginning of June, Namibia has entered Phase 3 of the COVID-19 easing measures. This means that most people are back at work in their businesses, Namibians can move freely within the country, restaurants and lodges are allowed to reopen, and alcohol can be bought and consumed again, although not yet in restaurants. Grades 11 and 12, who are taking the exam, are back in class, and the other grades will follow in the coming weeks, so that all students will be back in school by mid-July. There will be no more major holidays, and the school year will likely last four weeks longer, until shortly before Christmas. The government is therefore trying to make up for missed lessons.
So far, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has been very low. Today (June 6, 2020), 29 cases are known, of which 13 are still ill, and 800 people are in quarantine. Most of them were in South Africa for work, for example, as truck drivers or students, or arrived in the country via the only major deep-sea port, Walvis Bay. The government is being very cautious in Namibia. There are great fears that infection among the closely-knit people in the "informal settlements" (corrugated iron settlements) and possible hospitalizations cannot be controlled. Since the last known cases of illness all came from Walvis Bay, the transshipment point on the Atlantic coast, this city is now completely sealed off again, and a strict curfew is in place. This, of course, has consequences for the entire country, as the goods delivered by ships can no longer be distributed throughout the country. read more
Current Notes from Namibia 16 May 2020
Pastor Absalom/Keib and his wife Bianca live in Omaruru, about three hours northwest of Windhoek. He is the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church there. His congregation is home to many needy people who are now in dire straits due to the Namibian government's strict lockdown. All casual workers and street vendors now have no income. He and his wife organize a regular soup kitchen there for children and young people who depend on regular meals. I have had occasional contact with the congregation during my travels over the past few years, and the Namibia Support Association has sporadically assisted the soup kitchen.
Then last week they sent a letter and a call saying that due to the special conditions of the coronavirus measures, there is severe hunger in their community. 35 households in particular are in urgent need of support. Their request: Can't we help just once? They sent us a letter with suggestions for what an aid package could contain: corn flour, sugar, baking flour, oil, rice, tea, and coffee. Each package would cost €15. Our association's committee quickly agreed that we should help—also because of YOUR coronavirus donations. In consultation with the local grocery store, we supplemented these packages with non-perishable and dried vegetables, some fruit, soap, and washing powder, so that one package now cost €25. We ordered not just 35 packages, but 36, so that the pastor couple, who are also currently losing income, could also keep a package for themselves.
In addition to the food packages, a woman from the community has agreed to make 100 washable face masks for €1 each, thus generating a small income. As of this week, face masks have also been mandatory in Namibia.
All in all, this aid package for 36 households now cost €1,000. read more
Current Notes from Namibia May 2, 2020
From Tuesday, May 5, the strict exit restrictions are being relaxed somewhat. People are now allowed to move freely throughout the country again, but must wear a face mask in public. The government is providing some masks to those in particular need. The external borders remain closed, but Namibians are now allowed to return to their country after a two-week quarantine. Larger and smaller retail stores have reopened, and street vendors, restaurants, and lodges that offer food are also permitted to sell it as takeaway. Beauty salons and hairdressers are permitted to open subject to special hygiene and social distancing regulations.
Otherwise, restaurants, hotels, theaters, cinemas, gyms, nightclubs, casinos, seminars, conference centers, and amusement parks remain closed, and alcohol may not be bought or sold. Public gatherings are prohibited, including church services and community gatherings.
This phase two is provisionally valid until June 2nd.
In the Phase three, In effect throughout June, restaurants, hotels, and cultural institutions will reopen, but with the condition that alcohol may only be consumed in private settings. Hopefully, church events will then be permitted again (to a limited extent).
In the Phase four The "new normal" will then begin. Borders to selected countries will gradually reopen from the end of June, and school and university operations are scheduled to resume in their normal form from the beginning of August.
However, these three additional phases can be shortened or extended due to special circumstances. However, Namibia now has a four-phase plan that people can follow.
What does this mean for our club?
The last five weeks of strict lockdown have had a negative impact on people without permanent jobs, day laborers and casual workers. leaving behind a lot of poverty and hardship. But pastors and church employees won't be earning any money in the coming weeks either. School meals for elementary school students won't be available until August.
Albertina and Yvonne will now reopen their soup kitchens with the necessary distancing rules, but there are probably many more children and adults who urgently need these extra meals.
I thank all donors who have sent us an extra donation during this difficult time. We will use this money, along with additional funds from our association's budget, to alleviate the suffering of the people in Okombahe and other parts of Namibia.
Aktuelle Notizen aus Namibia 26. april 2020
Wie ich Ihnen in den letzten „Notizen aus Namibia“ berichtet habe, gibt es nun seit einer Woche in Namibia einen landesweiten strengen Lock-Down mit strikten Ausgansbeschränkungen. Die Folge ist, dass alle Personen, die kein festes Gehalt bekommen, nun mehr keine Möglichkeit haben, durch Gelegenheitsarbeiten oder Straßenverkäufe etwas Geld zu verdienen. Letzte Woche schrieb ich von dem bemerkenswerten Hilfsleistungen der Regierung, die ca. 150 000 Personen zum Überleben helfen. Noch kurz vor dem Lock-Down fuhren nun einige Personen auf ihre kleinen privaten Familienfarmen, aber viele bleiben eben doch auch in Okombahe zurück.
Nach meinen Informationen kamen die Regierungshilfen jedoch bisher im ländlichen Okombahe nicht an. Albertina, eine unserer ehrenamtlichen Mitarbeiterinnen, rief uns an und bat uns, an die ca. 30 Familien mit ihren Suppenküchenkindern zu denken, die im Augenblick gar nichts mehr haben. Unsere beiden Suppenküchen und auch die staatliche Schulspeisung für Grundschulkinder stoppte Mitte März als alle Schulen geschlossen wurden und sich größere Menschengruppen nicht mehr versammeln durften. Nach kurzer Rücksprache fuhr Albertina nach Omaruru zum monatlichen Einkauf, und kaufte so ein, dass sie zusammen mit Desiree, einer Sekretärin vom Bürgermeisteramt, den Einkauf in 30 einzelne Tüten abpackte. Augustinus, der Konrektor der Grundschule, der ebenso die Situation der Kinder sehr gut einschätzen kann, vervollständigte das Gremium, um diese 30 Päckchen zusammen mit etwas Suppe und Fleischbällchen zu verteilen. weiterlesen
Nun hat sich auch dort in den letzten zwei Wochen wieder einiges neu ergeben. Die offiziellen Zahlen stehen aktuell (18.4.20) immer noch auf 16 bestätigte positive Corona-Infizierte und keine Todesfälle, aber diese Zahlen sind bei der geringen Testung und bei dem offiziellen Verbot aktuelle Zahlen zu veröffentlichen mit großer Vorsicht zu genießen. Aber da wir auch von vielen Freunden über E-Mail oder WhatsApp nichts Gegenteiliges hören, scheint die medizinische Situation in Namibia nicht dramatisch zu sein. Der partielle Lock-Down für die Hauptstadt und die angrenzenden Regionen ist seit heute bis zum 4. Mai auf das ganze Land ausgedehnt. Nur die Fischerei kann unter bestimmten Bedingungen weiterarbeiten. Der namibische Lock-Down ist vergleichbar mit einer Ausgangsbeschränkung, abgesehen von Arztbesuchen und Esseneinkäufen darf niemand auf der Straße sein, und es besteht auch ein generelles Verbot, Alkohol zu kaufen. Auch die Schule sind selbstverständlich bis dahin geschlossen. Die Schüler sollen verstärkt über das Internet unterrichtet werden. Aber das wird nur bei einigen Privatschulen mit Schülern aus besseren Verhältnissen gut funktionieren. Der Großteil der Schüler lebt sehr einfach oder sogar abseits auf den ländlichen Farmen. Über WhatsApp wird wahrscheinlich die eine oder andere Arbeitsaufgabe versandt. Aber der nötige Tisch für die Bearbeitung sollte bestimmt mitgeliefert werden. weiterlesen
