In June, I visited all of them in Namibia and we had a lot of fun. We laughed a great deal about all the photos they wanted to take, but we also had serious conversations about their challenges. For example, it is by no means self-evident that they have an internet connection, electricity, or even water. We still do not reflect on this enough.
The plan is for them to start at ADN in November, and by then we will also be present in Swakopmund.
In May 2026, the first group of 12 nurses started in Namibia. It is a completely new experience because the distance is still so great and they will first learn the Dutch language. After that, they will gain practical experience at ADN in Swakopmund in caring for people living with dementia.
It is a really great group: motivated nurses who would prefer to start working today. They know what they are getting into, and together with our partners we are guiding this process as well as possible, so that they can start working in the Netherlands fully prepared.
For us, it is also a matter of learning by doing. With this first group, we are discovering what works well and what does not. We are seeing where they need individual support and where they support one another in small groups. There is a group chat in which we are in daily contact, and Claudine gives them small assignments. For example, she asks them to post a short video message in the group in which they have to speak Dutch. This helps them practise speaking Dutch and become comfortable showing vulnerability within the group.
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