Project Trips

Virtual Project Trip 2020

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the national lockdowns and travel restrictions that followed, the 2020 project trip had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, Allyn, Giacomo, Katharina, Laura, Malte, Nicoletta, Ralf and René couldn't go and do their projects in Mayana. However, members of the board and extended board were able to carry out some projects with the help of e-learning via WhatsApp.  

Kindergarten Feeding Scheme and COVID-19 Measures

Due to the COVID-19, schools had to close in Namibia. As a response, we made some alterations to the feeding scheme with provisions to allow for social distancing. We split the 50 children into two groups and they received food every other day, respectively. To make it even, we also provided food on Saturdays. Each child received one egg per week, one bread roll with peanut butter per day, and on Fridays and Saturdays, there was soup. Furthermore, the Sit and Knit group produced masks for the children and teachers. We also provided soap and sent over educational videos to make sure the kids washed their hands, properly before receiving food. In addition, they had to keep a 2-metre distance from one another. One of the kindergarten teachers, Leinhilde, sent us pictures of the kids and the food every day. Joseph also built a table next to the Meho Center. Now it is easier to prepare the food for the feeding scheme. 

Sit and Knit

The Sit and Knit group started in 2017 learning skills and producing the needed warm clothing for the Kindergarten children. This year they joined in the e-learning experience learning how to knit socks in two different sizes via WhatsApp calls. After 4 weeks the challenge was successfully completed. Since the schools were closed a “knitting school” was started with one on one session with one schoolgirl and one sit and knit teacher each. The girls participating made a scarf for themselves and are now off to seek the challenge of learning how to knit a hat. The ladies of the group also made a huge contribution in this crisis by learning how to sew community masks via video calls and within 2 weeks they produced 160 masks. They were shared out amongst the team and the Meho and Ndango Kindergartens.

Chicken House

After the improvement of the chicken house last year, we could evaluate and discuss how to continue the program. The second chicken exchange with 40 new ones took place and we could use the first time the chicken dung as manure for hydroponics. Unfortunately, the “fridge” as egg storage from last year does not work anymore and we need to find another solution until the summer begins. All in all the chickens still produce enough eggs, so that the kids have at least half an egg per week and of course the chicken soup on Fridays. 

Bone Broth

Within the framework of the Feeding Scheme for the children of the Meho Kindergarten, the project "production of broth from chicken bones" had the following objectives:

the better use of available resources (use of not only the meat of slaughtered chickens but also of their bones); improving the supply of proteins, vitamins and fat, and expanding local knowledge and skills in the hope that what has been learned will be used and passed on privately. Unfortunately, the project failed due to the project leader in Mayana being unreliable with keeping to meeting times, which meant the training could not be carried out in full. The reasons for this may be manifold considering the overall situation in Mayana. 

MCP & MMF Cooperation

In June, MCP and MMF held their first online meeting via WhatsApp to discuss the reopening of the kindergarten, maintenance of the kindergarten building, the future of the Sit & Knit Project, and the future of MCP and MMF cooperation. 

Hydroponics

Our intern, Jackie, conducted a pilot programme for growing spinach hydroponically with women in Mayana for her master’s thesis. With support from founder Monika, she delivered e-learning modules to participants in Mayana twice a week. During the pilot, the women created 54 small hydroponic systems to grow spinach for the Meho Kindergarten to add to the nutrition line for the children. Jackie also created a handbook which can be used to pass on the knowledge of hydroponics to others (including schools). Read more about Jackie’s internship.

Project Trip 2019

Project Trip 2019 team consisted of Christian, Franka, Johannes, Lena, Tabea, Tom, and the project leaders Katharina and Larissa. The projects were sexual education and English and computer lessons both at the Kayengona Combined School and at the Meho Center. Additionally, the team built a volleyball pitch and held volleyball lessons. At the Meho kindergarten, there were morning arts and crafts classes for the kids and the inside walls were painted with the alphabet, numbers, and colours together with the teacher. On the last day in Mayana, the team planted trees and held the annual kindergarten sports festival.

Project Trip 2018

For the Friends Trip 2018 Florentine, Larissa, Tom, Ines, Johannes (Kopernikus Gymnasium Blankenfelde) Henar (Madrid), Katha and Kathi came together to go on their journey to Mayana. Having two students and a parent that had already been to Namibia for the Harambee Challenge, as well as two teachers, created a remarkable mix of people. This year’s projects were: reading fairy tales to the kindergarten classes, crochet, knitting, making und using “Abacus”, chess, science experiments and math tutoring. The team project, which was successfully completed, was adding a climbing frame to the playground at Meho. The day before we had to leave Mayana we also organised a Kindergarten Sports Festival, including kids from Meho, Eparu and Ndango Kindergartens.

impressions

“I’m taking with me the certainty that one cannot save the whole planet, because there is too much inequality and injustice, but also the optimism to keep helping in the future!” 

“It was the second time for me, but again there was a great, warm and overwhelming welcome when we came: bright, curious children’s eyes and a delicious local dinner. “ 

“Highlight: appropriation of the climbing frame by the children.”

“We had a lot of fun with the kids and young people. Mostly they were first hesitant and reluctant, but then they came out of their shells.”

“Doing something actively is better than doing nothing, even if the way is not always clear and always need new orientation.”

“When I arrived everything felt like it was just a dream.”“Unlike in Windhoek where I was a bit overwhelmed, Mayana offered me a positive impression and was at the same time stunning.”

“All in all the project and trip were fun. With me I will take the memory of the beautiful evenings.”

“When we crossed the Mururani Gate ‘border’ and the houses, the style and construction of farms changed I was impressed and shocked how people can live like that. Above all however, I was surprised and impressed by the welcoming and the food of the people in Mayana. So much joy and warmth!”

 “I can now understand the people of Mayana better and got to know them even better than during the Harambee Challenge in 2017. As a result I have now learned that it is very difficult to push things forward, especially because of the government, but also the mentality is responsible for setbacks or at least only little progress.”

“I was very surprised how clumsy the people were in many things. I had imagined them to be more deft and active. In many ways it seemed like they were letting life and events drip on them like rain.

CAS TRIP 2017

Benita, Johanna, Katharina, Leah, Monika, Rasmus, and Tim made up the CAS Team 2017. The students came from both Heidelberg and Leipzig International Schools, Germany. They each undertook projects, which included: drama, English at the Kindergarten, football, individual learning support for local kids, math lessons, and survey and infrastructure work for the future. As a team, the group organised the Kindergarten Sports Festival for the children of Ndango, Eparu and Meho Kindergartens.

impressions

“Before I came on this trip, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had heard lots of things and seen pictures, but no amount of words or pictures could really describe the experience here.”

“The attitude of the kids towards learning is really heart warming and has made me realize that I definitely chose the right project. “

“The people here have been very helpful and very happy. Especially one kid called Erik really made an impression on me. He always makes jokes and smiles. He makes sure everyone has food on their plate before he takes some. People like Erik in the village, really changed my view on the situation. I taught Erik to use the laptop and he would always have a paper with questions on. This curiosity for learning under the circumstances they have really made me happy.”

“I quickly realized that this trip is so much more than just the projects and it’s definitely a whole lot more than a CAS activity. My project also wasn't about me but it was all about the kids.

I would leave the kindergarten everyday with a smile on my face and a sense of fulfillment.”

“One of the main things I will bring back is that my ideas are not always the best and I have to be better at admitting when I am wrong or make a mistake.”

“One of the more interesting things I did during my project was the discussion I had with my students on communication. This gave me an idea of what the students struggled with in terms of communication, which I thought was very important to know if I was going to help them. The most common feedback I received was the feeling a lot of them had, which is best described as a fear of being judged by their classmates, such as being laughed at for giving the wrong answer.”

“I have loved being here and would not mind staying longer. I will take back the joy from the others and the knowledge and places they have showed me, and keep it in my head forever. I will most defiantly share what my experience was like with others, but they would really have to go for themselves if you want to really know what I am talking about.”

“Overall I am extremely happy with how the project turned out because it really got to make a difference, not only to the kids, but to me as well. I’ve come to realize that I didn't really consider how other people lived enough and I think I've developed a much better perspective on life in general and not to take things for granted. I’ve been asked whether signing up for this trip was a mistake, and even though there have been difficulties, I’ll never regret taking this opportunity.”

FRIENDS TRIP 2016

The Friends Trip Team 2016 set a new standard for MCP; at the age of 11 years, we had the youngest team member yet! The Friends Trip consisted of four members, Mike, Mollie, Christian, and Katherine, and one project leader, Roberto. This provided us with a highly diverse team. This year we worked on the following: the filming of Day in the Life of Julia ; crafts; games; American Football training; computer training; English; the painting the Eparu Kindergarten; and learning about the differences between state and tribal law. We also got a head start on the orchard and chicken coops. In addition, during our 12-day stay, we organized the MCP Kids Sport Festival, running American Football and brain games.

Impressions

"So much fun to see the smiling faces.”

“Do you think they liked your project? 'Yes, Better than my Mom's!”

“It is amazing how it did not take long for my children to connect…no boundaries for children.”

“I like the fact that I could not finish while I was there. This has kept MCP in my mind and my heart.”

CAS Trip 2016

The MCP CAS Trip 2016 was made up of three students, two teachers, and two people from the MCP network (from Manager für Menschen and Kleine Engel).

The participants were Arthur, Christine, Elisa, Laura, Lore, Monika, and Veronik with the student contingent hailing from Leipzig and Stuttgart International School.

The projects were in the areas of art and working with the Boys and Girls Club. There was also a great focus on the Kindergarten groups of the Meho and Eparu Kindergartens. The local teachers received workshops and the grounds of Eparu were upgraded with a playground, fence, and flooring. We are very happy that the grounds of Eparu are now registered in the name of MCP and we are now preparing for the Kindergarten’s full integration with MCP.

This year’s team project was a Kindergarten Sports Festival, which saw 100 children from the three Kindergartens, Meho, Eparu, and Ndango, taking part. Much enjoyed by the children and teachers, the project provided new experiences and opportunities for working together. We hope a new tradition has been created here.

impressions

“My first impressions of Namibia is that on average people are happier than in Germany. Its landscapes are beautifully impressive.”

“I thought my project would just focus on the playground here. I figured it also included building a whole fence around the area of the playground, which is a lot of physical work and additional dealing the sun and the hot weather it is very exhausting. However the physical work also makes you feel like you have achieved something and it makes you very proud.”

“My project and experience during the time I spent in Mayana has made me realize that people in the community are suffering yet are still prospering at the same time.”

“I changed as a person by realizing I have to think ahead more and can’t take everything so lightly as I usually do, which is difficult because I try very hard to avoid problems.”

“Overall the trip was very impressive and changed the way you look at things. The people and the lifestyle you get in the village really showed me that you need not have a lot to be happy. That definitely changed my attitude towards things.”

 “I learned about community and using others for help in times of need. This really made me think about my lack of community at home. The team made us feel a part of their community from the first moment, so welcoming and joyous, letting us into their lives.”

“I was able to witness kids from different age groups put their creativity in action; seeing them opening their mind to create was something wonderful.”

“During my time in Mayana I understand that none of the people chose to be born here but some of them are working hard to make life better for the community. It made me realize that even I currently live in the last country I will ever call home, I will take example from the team to make life better on the other side.”

“As we drive away from Mayana I have the remembering song in my head. The team told us that they would always remember us in their hearts and as we drive I know they will always have a place in my heart too.”

CAS TRIP WINTER 2015

The MCP CAS trip team of June/July was from three international schools: H.I.S.(Heidelberg International School, Germany), L.I.S.,(Leipzig International School, Germany) and W.I.S. (Windhoek International School, Namibia.)

The eight members of the team - Celine, Charlot, Gwen, Kathi, Leila, Monika, Natasha, Roberto, and Wendy - came from six different nations (America, Britain, China, Germany, Jamaica and Namibia) with various experience and added an international “spice” to the trip.

The projects delivered were: English, biology, maths and computer lessons, canvas bag painting at the Kindergarten, girls football training, and  building a greenhouse . The team project was the 5th Midwinter Challenge that was named B&B (Body and Brain), which consisted of a volleyball and games tournament. Beyond that, the team planted trees and helped work towards the completion of the guesthouse.

Impressions

“In 3 words I can describe for my days as busy, worth it and amazing. This applies for the whole trip.”

“It made me proud when I come to the school my class either shouted out “ bingo” or my name, I felt like star for a second..”

“The trip was challenging and sometimes very tough as well as hard, but we still stayed a team and approached every task with motivation. I really appreciate the things I took and can take from this trip.”

“It has opened my eyes to many things I didn’t know about.. Examples are the education level in the government schools and the kind of mistreatment students are getting from the teachers. I have also learned that teachers aren’t serious about teaching and education. I have also learned that it is all a domino effect. The teachers aren’t serious and therefore students do not have a good enough reason to be serious in school. They mirror the teachers’ behavior and attitude towards education. Also the knowledge I gained from the community I stayed in. They were extremely supportive and I am so thankful for that.”

“ I just wanted to say thank you to everybody I met and worked with for this priceless experience even on the hard days where energy was low.”

“When I left Mayana  I didn’t say goodbye but rather see you soon. I can’t wait to be back as soon as possible, meeting all of these great people again. “

“It was an incredible experience and I am already waiting for the day when I will be coming back to see how the trees have grown, how many girls will be playing football by then … Thank you to everyone for making this an incredible, unforgettable and unbelievably enjoyable experience!"

CAS TRIP Summer 2015

The team for the Easter trip included Franny, Isa, Jenny, Louise, Luana, Monika and Vicki. All students were from Bonn International School in Germany.

The Meho Guesthouse received a great push towards completion as everyone helped with the painting, building a scullery, installing the pump and planting trees. We were also able to upgrade the garden project and get the donkey cart for water transport into action.

The team was able to support urgent educational needs by providing biology, geography and book keeping classes to Klaus, Gerhard and Daniel in order to ensure that they were able to meet the next steps on their educational journey.

Besides the weather the team had to meet many challenges and one of them was the girls football training. They were keen and eager even though they had to put up with a lot of intolerance and gender based prejudice. It became clear that this is an area to be worked on in future.

The team project was the kids sports festival with about 300 participants aged from 4-16 years. Many different activities were offered from sack hopping to volleyball supported by many helping hands and rewarded by even more happy smiles.

impressions

“This trip has opened my eyes and mind. I am touched by the people here they are so precious and I have great respect for them.”

“Finally on this trip was one of the first times that I was really motivated and excited to work for something, which was, sadly, something new for me.”

“This challenged me as a person and who I have always been. The person I am or rather I was, was not organized, hardworking and could never find the purpose and motivation for anything.”

“It makes me feel so sad and uncomfortable knowing I’m not going to be here on this bench next to the fire, but on my bed or at the dinner table. I don’t like that. I much rather sit here and enjoy the food with a bunch of amazing people than sit at home, eat expensive food, not say a word at the dinner table.”

“I don’t feel like I have the right to complain about a lot of things anymore because those small issues are stupid and ridiculous compared to the actual and REAL problems here.”

“I didn’t think it would, but it did. This experience changed me….  right now, I’m somehow scared to go back as a changed person. I’ve always been frustrated about a lot of things in my environment, but this is how I will be from now on, and I know I will make a change. “       

Friends Trip 2014

The team for this Friends Trip consisted of Abigail, Hugh, Bryn, Amelia, Katharina, Andreas, Sabine, Monika, Christiane and Jasper. This years team came from five different countries and did not only include adults, but also the youngest participant ever on a MCP trip at the age of 13 years. This provided us with a very diverse group of people who were all thrilled to start their projects. We worked on the following: photography and filming, English, crafts, games, computer training, making a goat protection fence for the garden project, finishing the guest house , making food preserves on the solar cooker, working with the center and vision team on planning, documenting and bookkeeping skills and implementing the solar water purification method of SODIS . During our stay we also organized the MCP Midwinter Challenge of 2014, a donkey race for kids. It was a great success with lots of participants and a huge crowd of spectators. Two of the national newspapers and a raidio station even published news about the event. The proceeds of this event will go to organizing a youth tournament for the local football and netball teams.

impressions

“I couldn’t imagine before quite how different peoples lives could be and how fortunate we are. My eyes have been opened more from this experience...”

“For all of us this was a dose of reality; observing and learning about the harsh existence of these beautiful people yet having the opportunity to help in a small way.”

 “I have come away having felt that I have left behind some of me in Namibia but I will also take so much of what I have done back home with me.”

“It has been the most memorable trip I have ever been on and I wish to come back to Mayana with MCP to do it all again.”

CAS Trip 2014

Becky, Emmanuel, Jess, JoAnn, Josi and Monika were the CAS team in Mayana. It  included three students from three different international schools; WIS (Windhoek International School , Namibia), H.I.S. (Heidelberg International School, Germany) and LIS (Leipzig International School, Germany) as well as three teachers.The projects included photography and filming, English and history lessons, sex education classes, computer training, sport games and a textile design workshop. Our team project was the kids sports festival with more than 300 children between 4 and 14 years.  The team were the first ones to use the facilities of the Mayana Meho Guesthouse and we are very happy to have our own “home” in the village from now on.

impressions

“Before I came to Mayana under MCP, I thought it was just another CAS project to get hours and update managebac.  It was a lot more than that… I experienced a communal relationship with the people of Mayana and I learned a lot from them.” 

“As we ate around the fire, the team in Mayana began to sing us a song which said ‘I remember’ and then they mention the names of the people they remember. It was very heart-warming as they remember all the people that have been on the previous MCP trips. It shows that an impact its truly being made.”

“At the end of this experience I believe I have become more mature and more responsible. I still think there is so much more room for me to grow. I Plan on returning again with hopes of seeing the friends I have made a change from before in Mayana.”

“ I will miss everyone that I have met here and just being in Mayana, Namibia. The Mbamba family was very kind and really gave me a sense of having another family away from home. I have made many friends along the way and hope to keep in touch with these special people.”

“Coming into this trip I already knew I would have to come back. These people are truly amazing and I have so much respect for their way of life. This trip had opened my eyes to be fearless to new experiences and take advantage of good opportunities when they come by. I would really love to come back next year and for many more years to come. “

“My experiences during the time in Mayana were over the top and incredible. I met people who were so different in their character but still followed the same goal. They want to do something for their village. The effort and spirit they put in every step they take towards developing in so many areas is indescribable. Through my projects and through talking to so many different people and interacting with them made me feel confident about myself. Through seeing their achievements and what they see as the priorities made me also realize who I want to be and who I want to become in the future.”

Friends Trip 2013

The project team was made up of Jasper, participant on the 2011 CAS Trip from the Netherlands, Sabine and Andreas from Germany, and their daughter and first time project leader Katharina.They took over from the CAS team and worked on several projects together with the local Vision Team consisting of Joseph, Moses, Engelberth, Rhoide, Daniel and John.

Jasper held a meeting with the local football and netball coaches and formed an agreement with them regarding future sponsorship of youth and adult sports in Mayana. However, Jasper's main project was the building of a playground at the newly erected kindergarten. Together, the men put lots of hard work - on everybody's side - and sweat - mainly on Jasper's side - into the building of a swing set and monkey bars. The colourfully painted area is surrounded by tires that provide both an area for practicing balance, as well as a place for lessons outside. 

Plenty of material was required for this project, and Andreas soon turned out to be the perfect operator of a car packed to the rim with poles, tools, etc. - and a very frequent customer of the local hardware store. In his sparse time off from his job as a driver, Andreas taught John and Engelberth various board games, which they will pass on to others in their Girls & Boys club at the centre.

The development of the Mayana Meho Kindergarten and Centre was Katharina's main task. In a meeting with the centre team the outlines and goals for all coming programmes were developed and a schedule was set. Katharina found a big helper in Sabine, who had become unoccupied after her Garden project got held up due to material shortage - none of Namibia's hardware stores had black garden pipes in store. While Moses was working hard on setting up the basic parameters of the garden, Sabine retreated out of the burning midday sun and into the cooler centre to help Katharina with inventory work, as well as setting up a system for the library together with Daniel. In the afternoon Sabine took over the recorder class, while Katharina gave English and German lessons.

On July 22, the team's last day in Mayana, MCP celebrated the groundbreaking for the Mayana Meho Guesthouse. Once erected, the guesthouse will be accommodating future trip participants. It is located right in the middle of the Mayana village and directly neighbours Joseph Mbamba's house. After Jasper, Joseph, Moses and Katharina broke the ground, others - including the village headman and the Mbamba family - planted several trees surrounding the property. We wish to see them grow with this project, the village and its people. The ceremony - and our whole trip, really - was concluded by a fantastic performance by the Mayana Primary School's Traditional Dance group and traditional dinner around the fire under the African starlit sky.

CAS TRIP 2013

The project participants Birgit, Carla, Emma, Laura, Monika and Taya from Heidelberg International School, Germany and Dina from the DRC Community Center Swakopmund, Daniel, Engelberth, John, Joseph, Moses and Rhoide from Mayana made up the team. And not to forget our four legged team member “Watch out”.

This trip was marked by many new experiences; a new setting by camping in the garden of Moses house as well as being the first “girls” only team and an overall project focus on arts; being it the huge mural on the east wall of the Kindergarten, the recorder lessons, writers workshop or singing as well as language and computer lessons. The solar cooker project was met with some challenges however remains a goal for the future. The group was pulled together and challenged by two big team projects the first one being the Mayana Midwinter Challenge being a canoe race across the Okavango this year with 40 participants. The second one was the official opening of the Mayana Meho Kindergarten and Centre. In the opening ceremony many project aspects contributed to the program and gave a preview of the centre’s planned activities. Both events were a big success.
 Many impressions were collected by each participant from overseas as well as locals and shared around the evening fire and our daily reflection of “highlights and challenges”.

impressions

“It is difficult, but in the same moment I have the feeling that it is the right time, that I am here. I’m ready for a change in my mind. So I leave with a lot of question marks, not knowing what these experiences have done and will do with me. I feel richer and I feel calmer in contrast to my arrival. I feel safer, but on the other hand less safe. I feel happier, but also sadder. I had the chance to see both sides of the coin of life and so, for short moments, I feel complete in a still unknown way.”

“One thing that really fascinated me and which I also didn’t expect was that all the people who live in Mayana are happy and they don’t complain about their life, we complain way too much about unnecessary things and they still look at life in an optimistic way even when times get really tough. I want to take that optimistic attitude with me to Germany because that’s a thing which always helps you to stay motivated. I will never understand fully how these people live their life and how everything worked out but I can say one thing that I have respect for them.”

“Before going to Africa I also didn’t appreciate as many things as I do now. Now, I know that having a warm shower, a bed and a nice family is a luxury. At the end of these two weeks, my phone almost seems like something magical. I’ve come to the realization, I don’t actually need much to be a happy person.  This trip has taught me so much about myself, and that is something that no one can ever take away from me. I’ve made great friends, friends for life. I will never forget their smiles, their hard work and dedication because it has been my main inspiration to become a better person, wanting to help and take my fair bit of responsibility in this world.”

“Being part of people that don’t judge a person according to their qualifications, but are willing to learn and listen to what each and every one has to give. I am happy. Yes I am happy! Thank you MCP. Thanks to all, I have found my home, that’s MCP and a family that share the same vision than myself. Let’s hold hands!!!”

CAS Trip to Swakopmund 2013

The second MCP CAS Trip to Swakopmund took place between 21st of March and 1st of April 2013. Windhoek International School was represented with Edwina, Georgia, Jan, Maggie, Nasim, Nellie, Phillipa, Rachel, Roberto,  Rui, Ruth, Sanni, Sharifa and Victoria and Leipzig International School was represented by Ondrej. Monika was the project leader. Engelberth from the Mayana Community in Kavango region joined this trip as a first representative of the Namibian MCP members. The team was fortunate to use the facilities provided by the DRC Community Center for the second time round. We were organized in an indoor and an outdoor team, where the outdoor team focused on sport activities and the indoor team on art activities. The whole team project was a soccer tournament for 40 kids from DRC (Democratic Resettlement Community) at the beach front in Swakopmund. Both teams  focused  on their project plans and on the other hand supported and supplement each other in a great way.  

Impressions

Many stories could be told by each project participant as well as kids from DRC. The personal bonding, interaction and friendships that developed.  For the final reflection each participant had to find one word to describe the process and experience of this trip following these questions:

“What did I come with? -  What did I experience?  -  What do I take away from this trip?” 

uncertainty – humbleness – openness 

fear – happiness – inspiration 

anxiety – richness – strength 

confusion – adaption – gratitude 

naivety – joy – appreciation 

uncertainty – appreciation – inspiration 

trust – calm – refreshed 

nothing – happiness - respect

uncertainty – joy – and something 

confusion – togetherness – motivation 

apprehension – discomfort – hope

CAS Trip to Swakopmund 2012

Here are the project teams that worked on the projects in 2012. For the pioneering trip to the new project in Swakopmund, Namibia. A joint venture of students from H.I.S. (Heidelberg International School, Germany and W.I.S. (Windhoek International School, Namibia) as well as students from the Poly Technics, Windhoek, Namibia.

Friends Trip 2012

The team consisted of three graduate students from Heidelberg International School (Katharina and Neil) and the Nelson Mandela School, Berlin (Pauline) and three IB diploma students from Heidelberg International School. (John, Erik and Nik)

The two team projects were the “Kids Olympics” a sports festival for U 14 year olds and the “Mayana Midwinter Challenge” a sports challenge that the village community decides on. This year it was a half marathon from Mayana to Rundu with 18 participants escorted by police vehicles.

The individual projects ranged from a film production “A day in the life of Gerhard” a 12 year old boy from Mayana as well as a music CD production capturing traditional songs and lyrics. Further- more the after school program with playing games was developed further and handed in the responsibility of the grade 8 students of Kayengona Combined School. The football training for under 14 year olds was joined by boys and girls alike. The construction team completed a store room for the Mayana Pre School that now provides more space for the children in their classrooms.Computer training for a number of adults was given and we were able to supply them with lap tops, e-mail accounts and web sticks, enabling direct communication from now on. The longest standing project “sit and knit” was looked after where guests of the lodge as well as some women of the village have produced and shared out about 30 blankets in the past 3 years.Credits to Pauline Boßdorf, she provided some excellent pictures of this project trip.

impressions

“I will be forever thankful for this trip that has taught be maybe more than a decade of school. Mayana was a life changing experience.”“My time here has made me see so many things differently and for that, I will be forever grateful. Leaving was hard and kind of bittersweet. Bitter because I’m leaving the friends I made over the past two weeks, but sweet because I’ll get to see how much the community has changed when I come back next year.”“Going back to Germany is something that concerns me a little bit because I know everything will be different. But maybe different isn’t such a bad thing. I will forever remember Mayana and the people there in my heart, and I think it will make me a better person. I’m coming back as soon as possible, this much I know for certain.”

“Mayana was a really nice experience, but also a huge change on me. You really could see yourself, but also others change into new characters.”“Also interacting with the other people was so amazing and changed me. When I will come back to Germany, I think I will notice how different it is and how peaceful and calm Africa actually was.“

“The main thing about Mayana is that I got to find and realize the inner self of me and it is a whole new experience. I will never forget this trip. I am already looking forward to and planning things we can do for the kids. I will miss Moses, Joseph, Engelberth, Andrew, and the list goes on and on, but the one thing I will miss the most out of everything is the smiles from each and every person and I thank them so much.“

“It’s a funny feeling leaving this place so soon. I want to come back as soon as I can. I would recommend this trip to everyone. It is a wonderful working, learning, and teaching experience. You meet amazing people, do incredible things, and see some of the most beautiful things in the world. Namibia is great, and I have made some great friends while here. I will be back soon to be sure.”

Project Trip 2012

A team of 8 students (Buffalo, Jessy, Leticia, Salmi, Kristi, Leon, Loide and Tezza) from the Pro Learning Unit for business and entrepreneurship from the Poly Technic Namibia and Akseli an exchange student from the university of Tampara, Finnland formed the team that visited Mayana in a 24 hour brainstorming session. One team focused on the short and long term perspectives and opportunities to increase the value of education in the people of Mayana. The second team worked on reproducible and sustainable small business concepts for the village. Both teams conducted interviews and held meetings with the people of the village. They reported their findings in a presentation as well as in written form.

impressions

“This was my first social project were I got to witness first-hand the plight of my less-advantaged fellow country persons and it was a humbling experience and it invoked some serious emotions as a future leader of my country. I am thankful to the MCP for the eye opening opportunity and to the Manyana community for making our stay here memorable. They are truly marvelous people and we shall walk this road together and affect change.”“This has been a total amazing experience. It’s scary to say that I am a Namibian yet am not aware of all the problems the people of Mayana village in the Okavango region are facing.”

“It has been a totally blessed and awesome opportunity to work with MCP on this project. People have really changed my perspective on how to deal with issues despite the constant setbacks from various people. What I will take away with me is that: we should not judge people for their intent but for what they do. We need to seriously follow our passion and not let anyone try to stop us. I feel like I have been adopted into a whole new family and I cannot wait to come back to see how projects are implemented and so we can help in that process as well. Finally, education is the key and it is not limited to a class, so it is important to constantly be willing to learn and have an open mind.”

Pioneering CAS Trip to Swakopmund 2012

The project is in the location of DRC (Democratic Resettlement Community) to establish an arts program that takes place in the facilities of the DRC Community Centre. Six students from H.I.S. in Germany (Heidelberg International School) and W.I.S. in Namibia (Windhoek International School) formed the team to support the local visionary and artist Ronald Kharuxab.

Firstly Neil ran a weaving workshop for kids in co-operation with Karakulia Weavers. It included making looms for future use at the DRC Community Centre. An art workshop was organized and held together with Ronald. Followed by a sand sculpture competition at the beachfront where the general public was invited to be the judges. This event was greatly supported through the presence of Elemotho, the  ambassador of MCP. With the support of Dillon, Daniel, Chris, Zoe ,Maggie and Alicia we organized and held a writers workshop where the children wrote and illustrated their own stories. Another project was the art workshop for the DRC Kindergarten as well as decorating the wall of the ablution block.

A social highlight at the end of this trip was a barbeque held at W.I.S. that gave students, parents and staff the possibility to meet. This event was also the meeting ground for the MCP Friends Trip participants and future co-operation with W.I.S.

CAS and Friends Trips 2011

For the first time we had two project groups travelling to Namibia. In the MCP CAS Trip,  with four students and two teachers, six people from five nations organized a football and netball tournament for the local teams as well as a sports festival for children. Other projects were English and computer classes for the teachers of the Mayana Pre-school, an after school activity at Kayengona Combined School that taught the children board and card games, football training for under 14-year-old children, and the construction of a shelter.

The MCP Friends Trip  participants completed the shelter and established a mobile library. The Meho Kindergarten have now found their home in the shelter. Further projects were a sewing workshop for local women, a video portrait of the founding teacher of the Mayana Pre-school, and the Mayana Midwinter Challenge as a sports event.

Pioneering CAS Trip to Mayana 2010

The first H.I.S. international CAS project, comprising two students from grade 11 and two teachers, was a great success. The framework for the projects, the preparation for the participants and the involvement of the school community took shape. The project was named the Mayana Community Project.  Its motto became, “Put your eyes on tomorrow and your feet on today!” (Mirjam Makeba), and the vision took organizational form under the official banner of Make Change Possible e.V.