Internships

Jacqueline made an internship with MCP from April to the end of June to conduct a pilot programme for growing spinach hydroponically with women in Mayana. However, due to COVID-19, she was not able to travel to Namibia. However, this did not stop the pilot from happening. Since mid-April, she and founder Monika Handwerker have been using technology to deliver e-learning modules to participants in Mayana twice a week. She has extended her internship to also include assisting MCP with projects such as the 10th anniversary campaign. Her tasks include:

• creating objectives, lessons, presentations, and homework assignments for participants

• creating a handbook that will be used to teach others (including schools) how to grow spinach hydroponically

• update and manage goals of the MCP 10th anniversary campaign

• assist the MCP board with weekly tasks

• assist with programme management and operations

To date, the spinach pilot now has a programme leader who has created 54 small hydroponic systems to grow spinach for the Meho Kindergarten to add to the nutrition line for the children. Below are photos of how the project has evolved over the last few months.

Larissa’s internship 2019

Larissa made an internship in Mayana from June 26th to August 28th 2019. It was part of her preparation to study veteranary medicine.

Her tasks were to update and extend the chicken house including

• sand and food store

• ladders

• chicken  nesting boxes

• holes for the chicken poo to be used as manure

• water storage and gutter

• charcoal fridge

Additionally, there are new medication to treat typical diseases of chickens and workshops were done for egg registration, food & water, monthly & weekly cleaning, checking diseases & using medication and handbook & documentation. Everything was made to assure a constant and high egg production, because of higher hygiene and a more comfortable stable for the layers. Networking and information with local companies regarding medication, marketing and growing fodder added to the sustainability of the project. The upgrade from 20 to 40 chickens leads to a harvest of at least 480 eggs per month. Of which 200 are reserved for the independent feeding scheme of the Kindergarten. The Mbamba family is taking care of the chicken house with Martha as the program leader.

Further plans are already in the making for next year.

To make an internship for 2 months in Mayana (or longer) is on the one hand helpful to get a clearer picture of Mayana and Namibia, especially because you face reality. There are huge differences to a project trip with a team. You learn so much more and you really get to know the people of Mayana. However, you also get to know yourself and learn what is important and unimportant in life. if you want to do an internship, have been there before, have a plan, know that helping means work and be ready for the adventure of your life.