Volunteers – Otjikondo

VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEERS AT OTJIKONDO

A Contribution That Matters

Whenever people speak about Otjikondo, it quickly becomes clear that volunteers play an important and valued role in daily school life. Across conversations with teachers, hostel staff, parents and former learners, their presence is consistently mentioned as something that helps enrich the experience of the children.

Volunteers contribute in both visible and subtle ways. They support classroom teaching, events such as school performances, music and sport activities and help strengthen spoken English through everyday interaction. Volunteers offer children the chance to engage with young people from other countries and in doing so they help create a natural bridge between Otjikondo and the world beyond.

Apart from structured activities, volunteers also bring energy, conversation and personal engagement into the children’s daily routines. These interactions help strengthen confidence, language ability and social development.

Through their presence, volunteers become part of the wider support system that allows Otjikondo to function as a full boarding school community – one that ensures that children experience a balanced school day that goes beyond academic learning alone.

"My year at Otjikondo has been the best year of my life. It has taught me so much - confidence, independence, and an ability to creatively solve whatever comes my way! I am forever grateful to The Stommels for their hospitality and giving us the tools and space to tackle this amazing experience. Getting to become part of the Otjikondo family has been an honour and I will deeply miss the children and staff that have made this year so incredibly special and transformative. Maybe I will become a teacher after all!"

"I first arrived at Otjikondo in February, with the intention that I would only be staying 3 months. Now nearly 6 months later I am so blessed to have been able to extend my stay. In my opinion it doesn’t take long to fall in love with Otjikondo, and for that love to be reciprocated back. From the kids to the staff, and of course the Stommels, you’ll find that you’ll never want to leave. The support I have received and the lessons I have learnt, I will carry throughout the rest of my life. I am incredibly grateful to now be apart of the Otjikondo family and will be counting down the days to my next visit!"

"My year at Otjikondo has been the most transformative and enjoyable experience of my life. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to build independence, resilience and appreciation for other cultures whilst teaching me how I want to lead my life. I’m extremely sad to be leaving this special community who was so welcoming and made me feel at home but I look forward to visiting again, hopefully, very soon. "

SHARED EXPERIENCE

Volunteering at Otjikondo

Otjikondo volunteers, known as “Gaps”, are encouraged to share their own talents, interests and ideas while taking ownership of meaningful responsibilities. This allows each volunteer to make a unique contribution while becoming part of a community that values initiative, commitment and shared experience.

Learning & Language

Helping children build confidence in English through reading, conversation and small group support.

Creative & Cultural

Supporting activities such as music, drama, art and craft, that encourage creativity and self-expression.

Sport & Practical

Building teamwork and discipline by organising sports lessons and football, netball or volleyball matches.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

Give your Time, make a Difference

For many young people, volunteering is a period of personal growth, responsibility and discovery – an opportunity to experience a culture and way of life very different from their own while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Gaps become part of everyday life at the school, sharing in the routines, challenges and moments of joy that come with living and working in a school village environment. Otjikondo offers a unique opportunity to experience Namibia beyond the classroom. Situated on a cattle farm in a remote and beautiful part of the country, volunteers experience rural communities, local culture, wildlife and the natural environment.

Many former Gaps look back on their time at Otjikondo as one of the most formative experiences of their lives – a period defined not only by what they contributed, but also by what they learned and took with them long after leaving.

We are deeply grateful for the time, energy and commitment that each volunteer brings to Otjikondo. Together, they become part of a shared effort to support Namibian children and create a place where learning, care and community come together.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

About Volunteering at Otjikondo

BECOME PART OF THE OTJIKONDO FAMILY

Support Otjikondo as a Volunteer

Everything you need to know about volunteering at Otjikondo: