Tjimee Maendo, Hoffnung Academy
Tjimee Maendo, Hoffnung Academy

Hoffnung Academy empowers Namibians

Opening doors
By providing comprehensive German language courses tailored for beginners, Hoffnung Academy equips students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Hinauarue Rijatua
Hoffnung Academy, founded by entrepreneur Tjimee Maendo, offers accessible German language courses that empower students with skills crucial for success, including obtaining A1 language certificates for opportunities such as working as an au pair in Germany.

With a focus on community empowerment, the academy prioritises their students along with their success.

Hoffnung aims to forge partnerships for enriching experiences abroad, creating hope and prosperity in the community.

Hoffnung Academy, otherwise known as Learn German Academy, is based in the heart of Windhoek.



Empowering

Founded in 2019 by Maendo, Hoffnung, meaning 'hope' in German, the institution embodies a mission to empower and inspire Namibians of all ages and backgrounds with proficiency in the German language."

The academy offers German A1-level courses, which are accredited beginner-level courses in German.

These courses open doors to new opportunities for students who aim to live, study and work in Germany.

Driven by a deep-rooted desire to combat widespread unemployment, which was worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, Maendo's vision for Hoffnung is one of empowerment and opportunity. “Having personally experienced the doors that proficiency in the German language can open, both through upbringing and travel, I aim to extend similar prospects to those facing unemployment and limited opportunities.”

Hoffnung, a small private tutoring company, specialises in a curriculum that covers speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.

“Our teaching mode is predominantly online, with a course duration of five months. Upon completion, students have the option to undertake a final exam at the Goethe Institute of Namibia, leading to an internationally recognised certificate,” Maendo said.



Language skills

Hoffnung Academy strongly believes in community empowerment over financial gains. Through highly competitive rates and a dedication to accessibility, Hoffnung prioritises the prosperity and self-sufficiency of its students above all else.

One of Hoffnung's proudest achievements lies in its impact on the local community.

By providing comprehensive German language courses tailored for beginners at the A1 level, Hoffnung equips students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. “I have students from the ages of 18 to 40. It’s amazing how the desire and curiosity about a language skill can bring people from all ages and backgrounds together.”

She added: “Learning is a continuous journey, you’re never too old to learn something new.”



Delicate balance

For Maendo, a typical day as CEO involves a delicate balance of overseeing student materials, engaging with potential partners and researching avenues for company growth. Yet, amidst the demands of entrepreneurship, Maendo finds solace and inspiration in travel, music, culinary exploration and cherished moments with family.

With an educational background rooted in marketing and a passion for entrepreneurship, Maendo's journey has led her to fulfill her dream of supporting others while being present for her own family. Through remote operations, Hoffnung not only provides livelihood opportunities for Namibians but also enables Maendo to be there for her children during their formative years.

Looking ahead, Maendo hopes for fruitful partnerships in years to come: “In the near future, Hoffnung is dedicated to providing exciting opportunities through a partnership with a German au pair agency, opening doors for our students to pursue au pair positions in Germany.”

Comments

Namibian Sun 2024-07-07

No comments have been left on this article

Please login to leave a comment

Currie Cup: DHL Western Province 25 vs 30 Vodacom Blue Bulls | Toyota Cheetahs XV 82 vs 20 NovaVit Griffons | Cell C Sharks XV 25 vs 26 Fidelity ADT Lions | Suzuki Griquas 24 vs 44 Airlink Pumas Rugby World Cup U20: Australia U20 12 vs 17 Italy U20 | South Africa U20 12 vs 31 Argentina U20 | England U20 48 vs 11 Fiji U20 | France U20 26 vs 27 New Zealand U20 | Wales U20 31 vs 10 Spain U20 | Ireland U20 22 vs 16 Georgia U20 F1: Great Britain GP First:Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 01:22:27 Second:Max Verstappen Red Bull + 00:00:01.465 Third:Lando Norris McLaren + 00:00:07.547 #N/A Currency: GBP to NAD 23.23 | EUR to NAD 19.68 | CNY to NAD 2.51 | USD to NAD 18.16 | DZD to NAD 0.13 | AOA to NAD 0.02 | BWP to NAD 1.29 | EGP to NAD 0.37 | KES to NAD 0.14 | NGN to NAD 0.01 | ZMW to NAD 0.73 | ZWL to NAD 0.04 | BRL to NAD 3.33 | RUB to NAD 0.21 | INR to NAD 0.22 | USD to DZD 134.16 | USD to AOA 871.26 | USD to BWP 13.56 | USD to EGP 48 | USD to KES 127.98 | USD to NGN 1515.35 | USD to ZAR 18.23 | USD to ZMW 24.45 | USD to ZWL 321 | Stock Exchange: JSE All Share Index Same 0 | Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Overall Index 1791.53 Down -0.7% | Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) MASI 13367.73 Up +0.54% | Egyptian Exchange (EGX) 30 Index 28364.79 Up +0.72% | Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) DCI 9380.4 Same 0 | NSX: MTC 7.75 SAME | Anirep 8.99 SAME | Capricorn Investment group 17.34 SAME | FirstRand Namibia Ltd 49 DOWN 0.50% | Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Ltd 4.1 UP 2.50% | Namibia Asset Management Ltd 0.7 SAME | Namibia Breweries Ltd 31.49 UP 0.03% | Nictus Holdings - Nam 2.22 SAME | Oryx Properties Ltd 12.1 UP 1.70% | Paratus Namibia Holdings 11.99 SAME | SBN Holdings 8.45 SAME | Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 0.48 SAME | B2Gold Corporation 47.34 DOWN 1.50% | Local Index closed 677.62 UP 0.12% | Overall Index closed 1534.6 DOWN 0.05% | Osino Resources Corp 19.47 DOWN 2.41% | Commodities: Gold US$ 2 391.62/OZ UP +1.48% | Copper US$ 4.67/lb UP +2.36% | Zinc US$ 3 017.00/T UP 0.01% | Brent Crude Oil US$ 87.46/BBP DOWN -0.0079 | Platinum US$ 1 027.76/OZ UP +2.82% #N/A