One of the images that many people have of Africa is that of a land of poor people.
It isn't always true, but it is true in some places. Namibia is one of the richer countries in Africa, but it is also one of the most polarized. There are very rich people, here, but there are also some of the poorest.
Generally the areas in which we'll be teaching aren't the poorest. They are filled with people who live on subsistence agriculture, but these people would not consider themselves to be poor. They have cars and houses and some have electricity.
Maggie, our WorldTeach field director, had decided that to truly understand and appreciate the lives of our communities, we should be exposed to both extremes of Namibian wealth. The rich part didn't look any different than many other places that I've been. It reminded me a lot of Adelaide, Australia.
The poor neighbourhood, Katutura, on the other hand, was very discomforting.
You can see from the photos below that it probably matches your preconceived notions of African poverty. There is so much more to Africa than this, but it is the image that people hold onto. Remember when you were growing up and your mom would say "eat your vegetables. There are starving children in Africa." This is probably the image that came to mind when she said this.
We pulled in, after just visiting one of the richest neighbourhoods, and immediately felt like intruders. Our bus was a magnet for every person who was sitting around and had nothing to do.
I'm sure that they have seen buses like this before, tourists who come to lean out the windows and gawk at them. The feeling of discomfort grew as we winded our way deeper into Katutura.
Then the bus stopped and we were told that this was our destination. There was a metal shed with a pool table inside. We were going in for "cool drinks," the Namibian name for soda pop.
The kids, of course, come running over to have their photos taken. They all want to see images of themselves. The adults on the other hand, come around warily, looking to see what we're doing, making sure that we're not exploiting the children. I have no problem with their motivation, it just put me into a scrutinized position that I found uncomfortable.
I tried talking with one of the locals, but he had no use for me. I can't say that I blame him. Who am I, but one more tourist come to exploit him?
Then something nice happened.
Some of my fellow teachers got together with the kids and started a game of "Duck Duck Goose." Suddenly there were smiles. Immediately we changed from invading foreigners to nice people. People waved to us. The tension broke.
I hadn't thought of doing the game, I'm not actually that good at those types of games. But I am so thankful for my fellow teachers. Even after all of these years of teaching, I don't have that touch. It was both revelatory and humbling. I guess that that was the day for such emotions.
— SGP
