Report of visit to LifeLine / Childline Namibia

21 st - 23 rd September 2001

Introduction:

At the invitation of LifeLine/Childline Namibia I; together with my husband Lennart, was privileged to attend the 21 st . Birthday celebrations of the organisation, in Windhoek. Our journey by road took us through the most incredible scenery of the Northern Cape in South Africa, the beauty of the arid South of Namibia and the Namib Desert which is the oldest in the world with the highest sand dunes in the world. Namibia is amongst the 'best kept secrets' in Africa.

Friday 21st September

A formal Donor Cocktail Party was held at the Windhoek Country Club attended by Donors, Members and Past Members of the organisation. It was an excellent opportunity well applied to nurturing donors and giving recognition to members for their dedication and commitment to the work of the organisation.

I gave the keynote address in which I emphasised that members from the past have contributed to developing the organisation into what it is today as the past reflects on the future. LifeLine / Childline Namibia has really embraced the needs of the community by developing Childline as well as their 2 outreach centres in the North of the country. This area has experienced major strife and cross border wars over the years. I also gave an over view of LifeLine International and the progress that is being made in developing recognition for our organisation internationally.

The Namibian Director Amanda Krüger gave a speech thanking the donors and giving more details of future plans for the organisation.

Saturday 22 September

A working breakfast was arranged at the home of one of the Board Members. Those members who were available attended and an informal discussion was held around issues of concern such as:

• Allowing professionals who have not done the LifeLine course to offer their services to the organisation.
• Internationals view of a 24hr. service.
• Affiliation to LifeLine Southern Africa.
• The International Constitution and what it means for member countries who only have a few centres.
• Registration with WHO.
• Special projects for the future.

I also ran a 3 hour workshop for members 'The Person I call ME'. This was well attended and gave those who were there an opportunity to relax and look at themselves.

In the evening we were hosted by LifeLine / Childline Namibia at 'Joe's Beer House' a Windhoek institution in the city with that wonderful Africa/German flavour that is so apparent in Namibia.

Sunday 23rd September

Lennart and I left early for the long drive home using the Trans Kalahari Highway through Botswana. Unfortunately I did not have time to stop off and visit LifeLine in Gaborone.

Conclusion

What a pleasure to experience the energy and enthusiasm of LifeLine / Childline Namibia. They have worked hard through transition and accomplished a great deal making a name for themselves in a community that really needs their services. Congratulations to Amanda and her team for their Vision and Focus.

2001.10.09

Sue Thönell

Exec. Director LifeLine International