Having worked in various kindergartens after high school, I am familiar with the routines used to guide young children through the day, educating and guiding them through play and activities. When I visited the Epupa Kindergarten in the Kunene Region on one of our Gondwana Care Trust trips in February this year, I was taken by surprise.
What I experienced was incredibly heartwarming. Picture this: two snug classrooms nestled side by side, presided over by a teacher whose affection knows no bounds. In this little space, about 10 little children aged three to five each have an individual dream as big as the sky. Every morning, stepping into that haven, even sometimes on an empty stomach, feels like stepping into a world full of opportunities and friends to play with. As not all the parents in the surrounding area can afford to send their young children to kindergarten every day, attending class is a luxury not everyone can afford. Some children can't make it every day, while others arrive a tad late due to life's trials. Yet, despite the odds stacked against them, their spirits shine bright, and their smiles and giggles are incredibly contagious.
Just like any other kindergarten, the children I met played, coloured pictures, chased each other around, and sang songs with their teacher. However, the framework upon which this kindergarten was built was not something I have seen before. Looking at us with shy eyes, we tried to make the little boys and girls feel as comfortable as possible, striving to make them feel at home despite our status as strangers.
The teacher showed us around, having made a wonderful effort to paint the walls on the inside to offer a bit of colour and structure to the little inside world of the kindergarten. As the initial steppingstone into the world of education for a fresh generation, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the teacher. Day in and day out, she goes above and beyond to nurture her learners, equipping them with the skills they'll need for the journey ahead. Reflecting on this and witnessing the pure joy of the little ones as they made the most of the limited toys and resources available stirred profound emotions within me.
By rallying behind initiatives like this, the Gondwana Care Trust can extend crucial support to institutions such as the Epupa Kindergarten, alongside numerous others across the nation. Simple gestures, like donating the Back-to-School Christmas Bags to learners, have the potential to offer love and support that might otherwise elude them. Through collective action and targeted aid, Namibia as an independent country can pave the way for a brighter future for its young learners, ensuring they receive the education and care they deserve. As a society, we hold the power to enact meaningful change in the landscape of education, particularly for kindergartens and schools in Namibia. I look back at my visit to the Epupa Kindergarten and the pictures we took of the young souls with love and a sense of humility.
Author: Elke Tietz
Photos: Ndinelao Shikemeni