San learners touch the ocean for the first time

Twenty-eight San learners from Grashoek Primary School in north-eastern Namibia saw the ocean for the first time last week after completing a 730-kilometre journey from the Kalahari to the Atlantic that was two years in the making.Organised by long-time school supporter, Slovenien Matej Rancigaj, and supported by a consortium of Namibian and international backers, the excursion offered a trip of a lifetime for the learners – members of one of Namibia’s most marginalised communities.“These kids are carrying two worlds on their shoulders,” said Rancigaj. “Their heritage is ancient, but their dreams are modern. This tour was a way to celebrate both.”For the children – members of the Ju|’hoansi San, said to be one of the oldest indigenous cultures on Earth – the trip was more than a holiday. It was a rare opportunity to step outside the constraints of economic hardship and geographic isolation.Grashoek Primary School, situated near Tsumkwe in the Otjozondjupa Region, serves learners from some of the country’s most remote settlements. Most of the group had never left their immediate surroundings – let alone seen the ocean. “It gave them a new sense of belonging, confidence and curiosity,” said Rancigaj. “We wanted to show them the world is bigger than what they’ve seen. And that they belong in it too.”For many of the learners, this was their first time not only seeing the ocean but also leaving the village.Broadening horizons The trip’s funding and logistics were made possible through a network of cross-continental support, while it was the teachers of Grashoek who laid the groundwork.The four-day programme was designed not only to inspire but also to educate and broaden the horizons of the learners. Among the key activities were visits to the Swakopmund Museum and the Snake Park Reptile Education Centre, where children engaged directly with Namibia’s rich biodiversity. They explored Dune 7, the moon landscape and encountered the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis plant.The learners were taken on a guided tour of the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, the Walvis Bay harbour and salt pans. The group also enjoyed an excursion to the Dorob National Park, visited a salt factory, and was taken to witness the striking 'Pink Lake'. The itinerary, moreover, included beach time, educational games and group cooking and cleaning sessions to encourage responsibility and teamwork.A visit to a local shopping mall offered cultural exposure for learners who had never encountered such environments, and evenings were dedicated to reflective discussions led by teachers and chaperones. A moment of joyThe programme culminated in a celebratory event at the Sound Garden in Swakopmund, where renowned local musician Sagarias Tsam performed live.A highlight of that night was the unexpected emergence of 11-year-old Josephine as the star of the celebration. Despite arriving in Swakopmund with a severe skin infection, she had hidden her condition for fear of being excluded. After receiving immediate medical care at the local hospital, Josephine recovered quickly and surprised her peers by dancing joyfully at the final event – bandaged feet and all.“She reminded us all what it means to be alive, to push through pain for joy,” said Rancigaj. “That moment – Josephine dancing on stage, with everyone cheering her on – was a reminder that dreams are powerful and worth fighting for.”

San learners touch the ocean for the first time

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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San learners touch the ocean for the first time

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

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