We asked several Namibia Year volunteers to describe the towns in which they live and schools where they teach. We hope these samples will give you a picture of life as a WorldTeach volunteer in Namibia, but please keep in mind as you read these that every site is unique. Your experience will be what you make of it!
...
Mweshipandeka High School in Ongwediva,
by David Ferguson
Community
I live in Oshakati and teach in Ongwediva. These are two of the three biggest towns in the North of Namibia where over half of Namibia's population lives. Sprouting from former apartheid settlements they now are frontiers of 'development', with its accompanying virtues and vices. For those interested in such issues it is a fascinating place. Traditional homestead meets modern consumer culture.
Host School
"Mweshy" as it is referred to in short is one of only two schools (and the only public school) that offers the advanced HIGCSE syllabus (Higher International General Certificate of Secondary Education) in northern Namibia. In recent years the school's standards have slipped, but there is a new administration working hard to turn things around.
Teaching Assignment
I'm teaching 11th and 12th grade HIGCSE and IGCSE math, topics in HIGCSE are equivalent to American high school calculus. The learners are very talented and eager to learn (except on Friday afternoons or after break!) though I have to review many of the basics.
Living Arrangement
I live in a government house in an Oshakati neighborhood. I hear that the crime can be bad here, but as long as you don't have much valuable stuff and don't walk around with a camera around your neck you won't be a target (wearing ratty old tennis shoes has helped me so far). On the brighter side the neighbors are very nice and friendly, and because of the huge amount of unemployed young people I had to fight not to acquire a housekeeper and a gardener (a fight I eventually lost -- on both fronts. The cost: $60 a month for both).
Language Issues
Most everyone you come across here speaks English though the more they have been to school the better they speak it. If you can learn the language you can have a conversation with everyone (I deeply wish I could have a conversation with some of the elders in the nearby villages). Plus the more you can speak in the native language the more acceptance you will have.
Greatest Challenges
I tried not to have any expectations coming in but the level of organization at the school was a bit surprising. I arrived 2 weeks into the school year and it was another 4 before we had a permanent timetable.
Greatest Rewards
The learners simply are performing wonderfully. They are bright and motivated. You need to be armed with good explanations and be prepared to answer remedial questions without condescension, but seeing learning in process is truly rewarding.
Back to top
...
St. Michael's Roman Catholic Mission in Outjo,
by Molly Moran
Host School
The school is situated on a rural working farm 80km outside the closest town, Outjo, in central Namibia.
Teaching Assignment
I'm the English teacher for grades 6 and 7 and the Arts teacher for grades 5, 6 and 7 and that was just the beginning - now I teach the nuns English and the other teachers computers, plus I have started a scholarship program for children attending Secondary Schools.
Living Arrangement
I have my own spacious flat with a hot bath and three wonderful meals a day, plus my laundry done. It's the closest thing to the "Ritz" in Namibia!
Language Issues
Languages spoken are mostly Afrikaans - also Otjiherero, Oshiwambo, Damara. I'm in the process of learning Afrikaans and Otjiherero in my spare time, which isn't a lot of time. I knew nothing of these languages before I arrived.
Greatest Challenges
The "strict" atmosphere of a Mission.
Greatest Rewards
The absolutely adorable children I spend everyday with. The smiles that we exchange numerous times a day mean more to them than a brand new pair of Nikes! I have made wonderful friends here, whom I will never forget, and hope to continue to learn from them and carry on our friendships wherever we may be. As long as you have an open mind and an open heart, everything else falls into place.
WorldTeach History at Site
We have had volunteers there since 1990 and have had a very good relationship with the school and the Headmaster.
Back to top
...
Mokaleng Roman Catholic Combined in Omaheke,
by Elizabeth Robinson
Community
In the Omaheke region (eastern central Namibia), a small community spread over a large territory. There isn't much other than natural beauty to surround you. The nearest town is Aminus.
Host School
Mokaleng Roman Catholic Combined School. A rural church-affiliated school for grades 1-10.
Teaching Assignment
I am teaching grade 6 English and grade 7 computers. I also run the library and help teach/ field questions about computers to Namibian teachers. I co-lead the HIV/AIDS club.
Living Arrangement
I have one half of a small house with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and common room. I eat with the Sisters so I don't cook much for myself. There is no hot water and the shower basically spits, but it's a very nice little house.
Language Issues
I knew about 5 words of Setswana coming to Aminus and I definitely don't read it. Almost everyone speaks English well, but people are really excited and pleased that I am trying to learn.
Greatest Challenges
Lack of imagination from learners. Trying not to feel left out when other teachers hold conversations/meetings in Afrikaans or Tswana.
Greatest Rewards
The learners wanting to teach me or help me; they come and just sit with me or help me wash my clothes, sweep the house. . . .
WorldTeach History at Site
WorldTeach has had a volunteer here on and off for a long time. There is positive support surrounding the position.
Back to top
...
