Windhoek, Namibia: A Week in the Windy Corner

For one week, we lived consecutive complete and full days. We worked. We laughed. We learned. For one week, life rested in the sweet spot between reality and fantasy.

I am so happy and thankful we were able to cherish this week together.

Day 0: The Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellowship

The Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) for Young African Leaders, begun in 2014, is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

Andrew, Kaveto (Kv), and I first met together in Washington D.C. through the MWF program. Several months and 20 hours of plane rides later, Andrew and I recently had the privilege of spending a week with Kv in Namibia as a part of the MWF Reciprocal Exchange program.

For one week, Andrew and I worked closely with Kv and his company, Worldview Technology, which is on a quest to create a world where everyone has access to adequate sanitation. We immediately slipped into Kv’s routine and accompanied him to meetings with international corporations and local organizations. We worked with the team to refine the team’s strategic plan forward. We conducted a needs assessment in an informal settlement in Windhoek. We learned a ton about the global sanitation problem, and even more about the amazing individuals behind solutions to fixing this issue.

By the end of the trip, I was overwhelmed by how much we had accomplished in one week. Our outcomes included physical documents, secured financial support, advanced understanding of the sanitation crisis, meaningful human connections, and much more.

I’ll admit, when we said goodbye to everyone on the last day, I was brokenhearted. A piece of my heart broke because we were saying goodbye to Kv… his awesome team… the Namibian startup life… and our collective purpose that brought us together.

Day 1: The Youth and Karaoke

We spent many of our mornings, afternoons, and evenings debriefing/discussing/hanging out where the “Youth” congregate on a regular basis, including local spots like Cramer’s and Chopsi’s. According to Kv and peeps, the “Youth” is considered to be anyone who is 35 and under.

One of the most memorable nights was Karaoke Night at the Warehouse Theatre. I really loved seeing how “love is love” is respected and accepted in Namibia. I was was shocked that there was no cat-calling and unwanted touching (unlike in the U.S.)… just inclusive vibes, genuine compliments, and cheap beer. Simple, kind, and loving. Imagine!

The Namibian Youth know what’s up.

Day 2: Toilets and Dignity

More than half of Namibia’s population of 2.5 million people practice open defecation every single day.

Why?

We met with community leaders from the Shack Dwellers Association to learn more about their experience living in Havana, one of the many informal settlements in Windhoek.

This is how we live.

We listened to people talk about death and diseases like Hepatitis E that are killing their neighbors.

People are dying every day.

We visited the government contracted toilets.

This one is broken. This one is not safe to use. Look, this one is functioning. Kind of.

Many of these toilets are called “white elephants” because the government builds them and never comes back to maintain them.

Community leaders and members showed us their short-term solutions.

This is the daycare we built for our children because we are concerned about their safety and wellbeing.

They also fervently explained why longer-term solutions are necessary in order to improve their quality of life.

This is how we are taking matters into our own hands.

Over and over again, they would repeatedly say this is not enough.

Can’t you see?

It was clear that this is not just about installing toilets.

How do you create solutions that are sustainable? Hygienic? Practical? Dignified?

Throughout the week, we were constantly asking questions and discussing the importance of adopting a holistic mindset.

In addition to learning about sanitation and hygiene, it was also important to explore Namibia’s history, which includes (but is not limited to) significant periods of migrations by specific ethnic groups, European colonization, racial segregation during the Apartheid, and Namibia’s (relatively recent) independence in 1990.

My favorite parts of the week were observing Kv and his team talk through their ideas and plans for the future of Worldview Technology. Soaking in their passion, courage, and awareness, I couldn’t help but think: Kv and his team are all superstars! They are truly changemakers.

Day 3: Open Heart and Open Mind

Overall, it was inspiring to meet so many engaged, aware, mature, and passionate Namibian Youth who are driven to make a difference for themselves, for Namibia, and for Africa. I loved learning about their ambitions and even moreso, how they articulated their dreams.

It was very common for Kv to physically press his hand to his chest as he spoke, as if to say, From my heart to yours, I am sharing this with you.

This kind of vulnerability was key to being able to feel a strong connection with Kv’s friends and team members in such a short amount of time. Each connection was simple, pure, and unadulterated.

Day 4: Kv and Andrew

Kv and Andrew: Two brothers, from different continents, cultures, backgrounds, and upbringings. Yet, the love is pure and unconditional.

Everyday, Andrew showed us how to embrace life with passion and energy. From brainstorming sessions to karaoke, Andrew was always ready to jump in all the way. Willing to support. Willing to mentor. Willing to share directly from his heart and life experiences. I truly admire Andrew’s passion, compassion, and drive.

Thank you, Andrew, for your energy and love.

Everyday, Kv revealed his special ability to connect with people. It didn’t matter if we are eating kapana or in a financial meeting with executive leadership. Kv always took on the responsibility of being a faithful messenger of the sanitation crisis that affects hundreds of thousands of Namibians (and people worldwide). Every day, we watched Kv patiently delivered the same factual and moving pitch, over and over again. I truly admire Kv’s courage, vulnerability, and dedication.

Thank you, Kv for inviting us to your country, your home, and your life.

I learned so much from both of these great men.

Day 5: Sundowners and Wind

During sunset… the sun stretches across the entire horizon. The wind is quiet, but powerful. It reminds me of when people say you can’t see God, but you can feel Him all around you.

Every chance I got, I would close my eyes to savor the moment and let the wind swirl around me. At Cramer’s. On the steps of the Independence Museum. Outside Chopsi’s. In the car. On my balcony.

When I rewind through all the sunsets I’ve seen on all 7 continents, by far, the most magnificent sunsets have been in Namibia (and Botswana, its neighboring country).

Day X: When is Day X?

It is crazy to say that I’ve visited Namibia twice in 10 months. It feels so normal, and also kind of crazy.

Why Namibia?

I’m not too sure.

I’m just glad our paths crossed.

I’m happy it was meaningful for everyone.

I’m thankful for the seeds that were planted on this trip.

Now, we must make sure to water them and see what grows next.