Education, Nutrition, Health and Safety to 60 kids

Dear all

As is natural, some of our youngsters have left us, some for school reasons, some for family reasons and some, our flagships, because they have started their university studies.

For this reason I want to start by wishing Vini, Petrus and Lukas to fully experience this new, very important adventure. Mammadu will always be by their side and we are all very proud of this milestone achieved and of their new journey that begins now.

Good luck to our university students

First of all, our warmest greetings go to those who have left Mammadu for school or family reasons.

A special thought goes to our three university students, Vini, Petrus and Lukas of whom we are very proud.

Vini moved to South Africa thanks to the support of her school, St. Paul’s in Windhoek and that of the group of adoptive parents who, led by the tireless Patrizia Baldi, have supported her since she was little. Vini is now attending the Faculty of Law at the North West University in Potchefstroom (SA) where she lives on campus.

Petrus and Lukas, on the other hand, are enrolled at the NUST (Namibian University of Sciences and Technology) in Windhoek where Petrus attends the Faculty of Agriculture and Lukas that of Computer Science. Both are supported by a university scholarship and by the support of Mammadu.

We are very proud of them and we wish them the best of luck with their studies.

That’s why the new year has brought Mammadu many new “li”title ones” who have joined our large family bringing with them so much happiness, joy and love.

This year, in fact, in addition to the 30 new children who, under the guidance of our excellent teacher Linda, will attend the kindergarten, we have welcomed 9 new children from the neighbourhood to Mammadu who are in the grade one and attend the afternoon classes with the other school kids.

Many new faces

All these kids are still part of the big Mammadu family, but since they will no longer be a daily presence at the Center, we have decided to welcome new children from the neighbourhood who can grow up in Mammadu, accompanied by a quality school program that will give them an important future.

There are 9 of our new grade one learners.

Our welcome to Mammadu therefore goes to Steward, David, Kristoph, Justine, Stephanus, Mariam, Ngatuuane, Mbituurunge (Bitu), Uzuvira

This is a huge responsibility and commitment, because we want to ensure that they have a quality schooling that can give them a bright future.

Nine new children also means, for Mammadu, a great financial commitment, for this reason we turn once again to you, dear friends of Mammadu, because together we can relaunch our long-distance adoption program to find a sponsor also for Steward, David, Kristoph, Justine, Stephanus, Mariam, Ngatuuane, Mbituurunge (Bitu), Uzuvira. Each of them is waiting for a family that, from afar, will take care of them and their future.

LIFE AS A VOLUNTEER

At the moment at the Mammadu Center there is a volunteer, Cinzia from Zurich, who after a few weeks in Windhoek wanted to write this letter to her colleagues. A letter that she wanted to share with us and that explains very well all the love with which she is living this adventure. Thank you Cinzia!

Recipient: Teachers' Room, Art School

Dear colleagues, I have been in Windhoek for two weeks and would like to share with you some of my first impressions. I arrived well and I really like the work at Mammadu. The school is located in the middle of one of the townships of the capital. The children who attend the school live nearby and thus have the opportunity to receive a good quality education and, almost more importantly, to enjoy hot meals. In the morning there are the children from the nursery school, to whom a teacher (teacher Linda) teaches how to write and do sums. In the afternoon the children from the primary, middle and high school come, who Daniel, the driver with the school bus, picks up from the various schools for after-school activities. They too are looked after by Mister Hikila, another teacher. The children are incredibly sweet. They are very expansive and have an overwhelming need for cuddles. I immediately felt very comfortable and everyone is very kind and helpful. They support me in every way, with suggestions and also concretely, taking me, for example, to the right market to buy fruit and vegetables. But you will surely wonder what I do all day! In the morning I help Meme Dina (Meme = mom) in the kitchen (she is an exceptional cook who manages to transform the few simple ingredients into tasty dishes, much tastier than those found in our canteen) and then I help Linda with the little ones who are in kindergarten. They are 4 or 5 years old and there are 30 of them! They are very lively. They call me "cicia" for teacher. Fun fact: this is my nickname in my family! In the afternoon, however, I support the older ones in German. Starting from elementary school, in fact, they can choose between Afrikaans or German. The manager Alex is organizing a weekend in a tent outside Windhoek to offer the kids some fun. And on this occasion too I will try to help him in what I can. Or we will go to the public swimming pool to spend an afternoon all together. Last Saturday, my taxi driver Sunday, who takes me to Mammadù every day and picks me up in the evening, took me to his neighborhood, another suburb of Windhoek. Seeing how he lives moved me deeply. His house is made of corrugated iron, without windows, without water or electricity. The floor is dirt. The few things he owns are stored in a wooden cabinet. Yet, he showed me his house with pride because it is his and is well kept. Sunday lis the only to live in Windhoek. His entire family lives in the village that is in the north of the country, more than 10 hours by car. Like many cities, Windhoek is a place of extremes. The extreme luxury of the president, for example, is just a few meters from Sunday's house. Not to mention the different cultures that meet: Germans, Dutch, South Africans, etc. Many streets have German names, such as Vogelsangstrasse or Schanzenweg. I also had the opportunity to visit the DHPS, which stands for "Deutsche Höhere Privatschule". Their classrooms are huge and very well equipped, not to mention the chemistry, biology and art labs. Life here starts early: school, for example, starts at 7:30. On the other hand, there is no life in the evening: everyone goes home and goes to bed at 9 pm. The water is of good quality, so I don't have to pay much attention to what I eat. At noon I eat at Mammadù and in the evening I cook something for myself in my rented apartment. The weather should be warm, since it is still late summer. Currently, however, it has been raining cats and dogs for days! And this in the desert. The streets have become torrents. I'll leave you to imagine the situation in the shanty towns. Well, I hope you are all well and that the entrance exams were not too stressful! Attached, you will find some photos.

Daer all

A New Beginning

After years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, Petrus and Lukas have finally graduated from high school, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives. This moment is a culmination of countless hours spent studying, learning, and growing both academically and personally. It is not just the end of an academic journey, but also the start of their pursuit of their dreams.

Petrus, with his sharp mind and passion for justice, hopes to become a lawyer or an economist. He has always been intrigued by how the world works, and he dreams of contributing to society by ensuring fairness and advocating for those in need. Whether he chooses the path of law or economics, Petrus is committed to making a positive impact, using his skills to understand and solve complex problems. His ambition is a reflection of his dedication to both his studies and his community.

Lukas, on the other hand, has always had a natural talent for technology and problem-solving. With a deep interest in IT, he aims to build a career in this ever-evolving field. Lukas envisions himself working with cutting-edge technology, creating innovative solutions to challenges, and contributing to the digital future. His journey is driven by a passion for learning and adapting to the fast-paced world of information technology.

As Petrus and Lukas take this next step, they are deeply grateful to Mammadu and the incredible support system that has been there for them every step of the way. The guidance and encouragement provided by the Mammadu community, from the teachers and mentors to their peers, have been instrumental in their success. Mammadu has not only been a place of academic learning but also a space where they found support, motivation, and a sense of belonging. They are thankful for the countless moments of inspiration, the shared knowledge, and the collective strength of the community that helped them reach this milestone. This achievement is a testament to the power of Mammadu and the unwavering support system it provides to all its members.

In conclusion, Petrus and Lukas are excited for the future, with big dreams ahead and a clear vision of where they want to go. They are incredibly thankful for the love, support, and encouragement that has shaped their academic journey, and they look forward to making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

THE MAMMADU ANNIVERSARY

A night to remember

The Mammadu Anniversary was an unforgettable occasion filled with laughter, music, and unexpected surprises. As we gathered to celebrate this special day, we created memories that will last a lifetime. The evening was filled with fun activities, from watching Avatar 2 to a lively braai, followed by a sleepover that, in true Mammadu fashion, turned into a night full of singing, dancing, and good company. The night was made even more memorable by two surprise visitors, Augusto and Dennis, who added a unique spark to our celebrations.

Our evening kicked off with a movie screening of Avatar 2, a stunning sequel that transported us into a world of vibrant landscapes and breathtaking visuals. As we all settled down, the excitement in the room was palpable. The film’s gripping story and beautiful cinematography kept us on the edge of our seats, and it was the perfect way to set the tone for the rest of the evening. The film sparked conversation long after the credits rolled, with everyone discussing the plot twists, the characters, and, of course, the visual marvels of Pandora.

After the movie, we moved on to the highlight of the evening – the braai. The aroma of sizzling meat and the sound of laughter filled the air as we gathered around the grill. The evening was filled with delicious food, good conversations, and the warmth of friendship. There was a sense of camaraderie as we shared stories, joked, and enjoyed the great outdoors. The evening sky, dotted with stars, added a touch of magic to the night, making the braai a truly unforgettable experience.

As the night progressed, we prepared for what was supposed to be a sleepover. However, in typical Mammadu style, no one actually slept. Instead, we all stayed up, singing our hearts out and dancing like there was no tomorrow. The atmosphere was electric as we sang along to our favorite tunes, laughed, and let the music take control of the night. What was meant to be a peaceful rest turned into an energetic celebration, filled with spontaneous dance moves and endless joy.

The fun didn’t stop there, as we were pleasantly surprised by the arrival of two unexpected visitors, Augusto and Dennis. Their presence brought even more energy to the celebration. With their infectious enthusiasm, they quickly became a part of the group, joining in the singing and dancing. It was a perfect surprise that lifted the spirits of everyone present, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere. Augusto and Dennis brought a fresh wave of excitement, and their presence turned the night into a delightful mix of surprises and laughter.

As the hours passed, we realized that the Mammadu Anniversary was much more than just a celebration of time; it was a reminder of the bonds we share, the joy of being together, and the beauty of creating memories that will last a lifetime. It wasn’t about the movie, the food, or even the sleepover. It was about the people, the laughter, and the moments that make life special.

In the end, the Mammadu Anniversary was a night filled with laughter, music, food, and surprises. From the exciting movie to the fun-filled braai, and the unexpected visits from Augusto and Dennis, it was a celebration of life, friendship, and the joy of being in the moment. We may not have slept that night, but the memories we created will keep us awake in our hearts for years to come.

2025 January is truly a new beginning for many, for who starts his adult life at Univeristy but for who starts Kindregarten too. The first weel of the little ones is for some of them a bit traumatic and tears are flowing. But they will soon settle in as they will find themselves comfortable at Mammadu.