Worldwide Waldorf: Waldorf School Windhoek
Worldwide Waldorf: Waldorf School Windhoek
Waldorf School Windhoek: 25 years of learning in rainbow colors
When the Waldorf School Windhoek opened its doors in 2000, it welcomed about forty children from grades 1 to 4. Like Namibia itself, they formed a diverse group: multilingual, versatile, and from various economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds.
The initiative came from a group of German-speaking parents who knew each other through the Christian Community in Windhoek. Inspired by the pedagogy of Rudolf Steiner, they met for years with their children for play and discussion afternoons. The fact that the roots of the school lay in the German-speaking community cannot be separated from Namibia's colonial history. However, it was clear from the start: this school would not become a German enclave, but a real Namibian rainbow school.
From small-scale start to flourishing school
A lot has changed in 25 years. The language of instruction in the lower grades, once German, has switched to English over the past seven years - a logical step, as the final exams are taken in that language. The school now has not just a few dozen, but over 260 students. In addition, a complete upper school has been added.
Practical subjects and future opportunities
A distinctive feature of the Waldorf School Windhoek is the afternoon education in the secondary school (grades 9-11). Students follow vocational subjects in the kitchen, woodworking, horticulture, and housekeeping. In a country where almost half of the young people are unemployed, this provides valuable skills and perspective. The state now officially recognizes this vocational training. This way, students not only learn carpentry, cooking or gardening, but also how production, trade, and entrepreneurship are interconnected.
Those who qualify academically can follow an intensive preparation after grade 11 to take the national exam in grade 12. This gives students access to the Technical College or the opportunity to progress to a university study via the AS-level - in Namibia or abroad.
Homegrown teachers
For many years, the school had to attract teachers from abroad to be able to offer the Waldorf curriculum. Work visas were often difficult and costly. It is now increasingly successful in finding teachers from Namibia and South Africa. Three Namibian teachers, trained at a South African Waldorf education, now teach in the primary school. There is also a kindergarten teacher with a full Waldorf background responsible for the kindergarten class.
This development was made possible thanks to the support of international partners, such as the International Aid Fund in the Netherlands, Freunde der Erziehungskunst in Germany, and many private donors from Switzerland.
Do you support the International Aid Fund?
Please contribute to NL03 TRIO 0212 1950 50 in the name of Stichting Internationaal Hulpfonds, Nijmegen. With reference to Southern Africa.
