THE BIG DAY

Early this morning, under the guidance of Florencia, we leave with the packed truck to the school that serves as a distribution center. As we drive through a dry riverbed with 4 wheel drive, we hear a drone above us. It belongs to Urs, who follows us to the school. And yes, tears flow. We receive an exuberant welcome from hundreds of Himba who are eagerly waiting for us. Singing loudly, they dance around the cars. It is beautiful to see all the women wearing their traditional clothing. This consists of animal skins and homemade jewellery. The men, on the other hand, largely wear Western clothing.

A few Himba men are assigned to unload the transport. The rest have to wait outside the fence surrounding the school.

For each kraal (=village) the chief accepts the measured amount of food and then distributes it among ‘his’ families. Despite some pushing and shouting, everything seems to be going smoothly. The atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful. Discussions are taking place everywhere about how this quantity will be delivered home. With a little help from a single moped, most people will have to carry it. And they are more than happy to do so. From now on, Friday the 13th will mean the opposite here as it does in our country. Well, we are in the southern hemisphere after all.