Last Days in Namibia

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

This is will be by last entry into this blog that has followed this extraordinary experience in Namibia. I write it with mixed emotions and a real sense of perspective on what I have gained from this opportunity. It has not only challenged my views on Africa and it’s people, but also the way we deal with issues in the UK.

I hear so much. about how tough it is in the western world with the financial crisis and I cannot help but think back on some of the people I met in Namibia. There was the Grandmother who, because of the death of her children, was bringing up eleven grandchildren on her own by weaving baskets. She never once complained or moaned, but asked that we consider buying her goods. There was the woman who was made homeless by the floods and her worldly goods fitted into the boot of a car. She worked as cleaner and in the following week she lost her job, because of financial cutbacks. Although I knew her quite well, she never asked for anything. There were the children at school who lived in the Hostels, where the conditions were so poor that just walking through them was an emotional roller coaster. Whenever I met them around the school, they always had a smile on their faces and were always dressed immaculately. How they managed it, I will never know, as I would have thought it was impossible to stay clean in such a place.

Has this changed me as a person? Most certainly, how could it fail not to!

Has it changed me as a Head Teacher? Only time will tell, but I am sure that this experience can only be an advantage to me in the future.

Monday was a time to say goodbye to both schools and ensure that contacts would be maintained in the future. I was at Nuuyoma School at 7.00 a.m. to address the children at their assembly. I received a great reception and I felt really sad as I stood up on the step and spoke to the whole school. At mid-day I was invited to Mupewa School where I had a great send-off, with singing and speeches from the children. In the afternoon I attended a Braai (Bar-B-Q) in my honour, where I was presented with traditional Ovambo shirt, which I am told is a great honour. The pictures below are a selection from this special day.

On Tuesday it was final meetings at Elim and Outapi offices, where I said goodbye to the Director of Omusati. I also gave a verbal feedback on my time in Oshikuku, and the impact of the work.

Wednesday was travelling down to Windhoek to be there to collect Ann at the airport the next day. I found a nice place to stop, but struggled to sleep well on a soft, bump free bed.

On Thursday I picked Ann up at the airport and was driving north by ten o’clock. We headed straight for Etosha and stopped in a lovely Lodge in the southern part of the Park. We took a little drive out before sunset and saw lots of animals including two Lions and a very big Lizard, which must have been one and a half metres long. After a very nice meal we sat by the illuminated waterhole and saw Zebra, Jackals and a Rhino all coming for a drink.

Friday was a long, slow drive through Etosha, spotting all sorts of animals. We then headed to Ongwediva and booked into a small hotel. After a quick stop at Penny’s house we had an evening meal with the other Head Teacher Volunteers and Penny.

Saturday was the trip to Oshikuku to pick up my remaining things for the last time. We also met up with Amber who is an American volunteer working with a basket-making group of women. She is an extraordinary person, and has done amazing things to support a group of women and children in Oshikuku. Needless to say we bought a considerable number of baskets from her, with Ann getting into her best shopping mode.

I also showed Ann around one of the schools I had been working in and the home for special needs children. It was an emotional day all round, but more was to follow. In the evening a very special event took place where Doris, a very special Zulu lady, had organised for her dance group to entertain us to say goodbye. It was an amazing evening and made the more special as it was Ann and my twenty-eighth wedding anniversary. It will be something I will never forget.

On Sunday Ann and I said our final goodbyes and drove to Ruacanna falls (picture above) and then on to Khorixas. This involved driving through the Namibian desert for hundreds of miles and not seeing anyone. I attach a picture of Ann on one of the many gravel roads we travelled on.

Monday was travelling back to Windhoek, with some sightseeing along the way and more, very long gravel roads. In the evening we went to the famous ‘Joe’s Beer House’ for a meal.

Tuesday was last minute shopping in Windhoek, and then, all too soon it was time to part again. However, this time it would be only for a few days.

As I close this blog, I would like to thank all of the people who have followed it and read my ramblings. I hope you have enjoyed the stories and pictures from my experiences in Namibia. I consider myself very lucky to have had this opportunity and it was great sharing it with you all.

Lots of love and best wishes for the last time.

Barry X