Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia has become a home to American Peace Corps volunteers, offering them more than a place of service. Through daily interaction, shared responsibilities and strong community values, the community has provided a welcoming environment where meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging have grown.
Zach Scott, now well known by his Oshiwambo name ‘Tuhafeni’ and Corinne ‘Nelao’ Scott are serving as Peace Corps volunteers in the Ohangwena region. They describe their experience as one shaped by warmth, respect and strong community ties.
From the time they arrived, they were struck by the peaceful nature of the area and the willingness of community members to support one another, making it easy for them to settle in and contribute meaningfully.
“Namibia has challenged us, inspired us, and welcomed us in ways we never expected. Through community life, we have learned what it truly means to slow down, listen and belong,” they said.
Since settling into life in Eenhana, Tuhafeni and Nelao have embraced both the joys and lessons of daily living. Supporting youth programmes, learning the local language and sharing conversations about life in the United States have become part of their routine. Along the way, they have picked up new life skills including bucket bathing, which they now jokingly consider a badge of honour.
“One of the most striking aspects of Namibian culture for the volunteers has been the strong emphasis on respect and relationships. Greetings are valued, neighbours care for one another, and community ties are nurtured intentionally,” Scott said.
They have also been inspired by the resilience, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit of Namibians, particularly women and young people. Participating in Oshikwanyama traditions such as pounding mahangu and preparing oshifima has given them a deeper appreciation for the region’s history and cultural strength.
Community members have played a central role in helping the volunteers feel supported and accepted. Neighbours regularly check in, assist with language learning, and sometimes share food from their fields.
In their professional work, Nelao supports economic empowerment initiatives through the EenhanaTown Council, focusing on entrepreneurship, small business development, and community economic projects. Tuhafeni on the other hand, works with the ministry of health and social services (Ohangwena regional office) on youth health programmes, strengthening adolescent mental well-being, life skills, and teen club activities at clinics.
Together, they aim to build local capacity and empower young people while ensuring sustainability beyond their service.
While their service has been rewarding, it has also required patience and adaptability. Adjusting to different work rhythms, communication styles, and language barriers has been challenging at times. However, the volunteers say these experiences have reinforced the importance of listening, relationship-building, flexibility, and taught them that tomorrow can mean many different things.
Ultimately, their hope is that the impact of their work continues long after they depart.
“If a young person feels more confident, a caregiver gains an income, a clinic garden thrives, or a small business takes root, those ripple effects will endure,” they said confidently. Beyond their formal duties, the two spent part of their spare time on TikTok, where they share what they have learned in Oshiwambo, while also learning from their growing TikTok family. Their eagerness to learn Oshikwanyama, from household items to animals in their surroundings has captured the attention of many and led them to go viral on their Scottsgonewildofficial account on TikTok.
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