Welcome to the
Spoonk loves namibia foundation

Motivation

25 years ago, Albert Scheffer, working for the Municipality of Smallingerland, initiated the partnership between Gobabis and Drachten as sister cities. 12 years ago, ROC Friese Poort launched a theater exchange project connecting students from Leeuwarden/Drachten with primary school children from the Epako township in Gobabis. This initiative fostered valuable connections in Gobabis and Windhoek.

Led by drama teacher Gooitsen Eenling, successful annual visits were organized. He also raised funds to build an amphitheater, where youth from Epako regularly performed theater and dance. Unfortunately, complaints from residents of a nearby affluent neighborhood forced the closure of the amphitheater.

Photo: 2023 Mural by Caro Kroon in Gobabis; with children from Epako

Introduction

In 2016, Gooitsen Eenling, the driving force behind the project, passed the baton to Caro Kroon. Together, they revitalized the initiative and established the SPOONK loves Namibia Foundation, which now holds ANBI status. In addition to teaching children, they trained a large group of teachers in arts and theater. A Namibian working group and foundation were also formed in collaboration with Henk Olwage (Foundation ‘Light for the Children’). At the request of the governor of Gobabis, they are now working on establishing an Arts & Theatre School.

The project aims to provide sustainable development opportunities for the children and youth of Epako. After a one-year trial, the project will be evaluated and financed by the ministries. The collaboration with these ministries has been highly successful.

Recent Years
In recent years, we made significant strides with Olivia Ebas, the head of the local library. Together, we developed the idea of establishing a youth theater and arts school in collaboration with the library. This school offers children from Epako a place to develop their talents, engage in various activities, and focus on personal growth. Classes are free, with auditions for selection. Each class accommodates 20 children, with at least five spots reserved for street children, given their high numbers in Epako.

Teacher training also remains a key priority. While educators are eager to incorporate the lessons into their curriculum, the complex issues in Epako require more time. For now, the lessons are offered as extracurricular activities.

The project was paused for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, Olivia Ebas tragically passed away in a car accident, a profound loss for the project. As a tribute, the school will be named in her honor.