Nelson’s Diary: A Note from the Land of the Brave

9 June 2024, Windhoek - Namibia: Over the last week, I have spent time interacting with our friends of the Scouts of Namibia. My journey took me from Windhoek to Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Oshikuku, Ogongo, Outapi and Tsandi. I was even baptised "Amtenya" a name from the Oshivambo community which means a boy born on a sunny day - which is indeed true of me.

During my stay, I experienced first-hand in the Northern Region of the country how the Food for Life Project is teaching young people and adults in schools, churches and communities how to grow food crops to help fight hunger and address the their nutritional needs. In a largely dry country where agriculture is not a main economic activity, It was very encouraging to see people’s willingness to try out agriculture and how their dedication is literally bearing fruits, enabling them to feed their families and even have surplus to sell.

By the way, please look out for the book “Design for Education: Spaces and Tools for Learning” edited by Ana Rute Costa and Rachel Cooper and published by Routledge UK to which I contributed a chapter “16. Food for Life: Scouts Leading Grassroots Intervention on Food Security and Nutrition in Sub?Saharan Africa” that will be coming out on 31st July 2024. More information about the book can be found on the Routledge website: www.routledge.com/9781032552675.

I also had the privilege to join the 2nd Windhoek Scout Group for their last weekly meeting of the semester, where we took part in a colour fest and some song and dance around a campfire. I even witnessed a Scout make his first promise as he was invested into the Movement. This is a very special moment that every Scout cherishes their whole life.

The next day, I also joined them at the Monthly Green Market Fundraiser where they get a space a local bio-food market to sell snacks to raise money for their Scouting activities. This incredible opportunity not only helps them to raise money but most importantly teaches them important lessons in business and financial management, the value of honest work and collaboration.

Not far from the Green Market at the 5th Windhoek Scout Group, I interacted with a team of 25 new adult volunteers who were taking the Warrant Course to become Scout Leaders. Their passion and excitement for leadership is one that is demonstrated by the millions of volunteers that contribute their time, expertise and even resources week-in week-out to keep Scouting moving.

Such missions are never complete without visiting Scout partners. We had an exciting discussion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) who are great supporters of the Food for Life project in the Northern Region. We also held fruitful meetings with Peace Corps Namibia and 联合国儿童基金会 Namibia to appreciate their support to Scouting and explore ways of deepening the collaboration locally and regionally.

What a perfect Scouting week! From meeting Scouts, adult volunteers and leaders of the National Scout Organisation to travelling across the country experiencing the impact of Scouting programmes in the community and meeting Scouting partners in the country. What more could I have asked for?

Many thanks to the CEO of Scouts of Namibia Rodney Cloete , the National Food for Life Coordinator Emilazer Michael , Northern Regional Coordinator Hileni Angula for making this mission a great success. To my good? friends jim kastelic and Imogene Hilukiluah , thank you for making it even more memorable. Ndapandura!

This recent trip to Namibia, country number 31 to visit worldwide, closes a long and exciting chapter of my career so far, and opens the door to yet another exciting adventure ahead. Stay tuned for an update coming soon!