Book on GDR kids launched
Memories of life in exile are presented in a pictorial record.
The life and times of exiled Namibian children who were whisked away from the war-torn situation in southern Angola and Zambia and taken to former East Germany is captured in the book 'Children in Exile: A Pictorial Record' launched by Founding President Sam Nujoma yesterday.
The book was written by Dr Jürgen Krause and Besse Kaplan with the aim to open the historic memories and shared history of both Namibians and Germans that played a role in raising the more than 430 children left destitute and in danger by the protracted war situation.
Nujoma said the book gives a pictorial glimpse into the lives of the children who were forced to live without families in a strange country who had to learn a strange language and culture for more than 11 years after the Cassinga massacre in southern Angola in May 1978.
“It also gives a face to those people who took care of them, with dedication and love,” noted Nujoma.
Nujoma also urged the GDR kids, as they have come to be known, to write their own stories to contribute to the overall story of the history of Swapo in exile.
Speaking on behalf of Krause who could not make it to the launch, the head of the Namibia Scientific Society, Waltraut Fritsche, said the book gives insight into an inter-cultural school project that started more than 38 years ago.
Krause has worked on the book for five years.
It is a compilation of documentary material he was able to salvage at the fall of the former East Germany and memories of those who have been involved in the relocation, care and education of the children.
It also comprises institutional photographs and a selection of more than 800 personal photos from the GDR kids and their educators and caregivers.
Krause explained that with this book he attempted to compile socio-political literature of contemporary history while keeping recollections personalised.
It also presents a picture of two cultures, the African-Namibian and German cultures that have been carefully balanced and merged into the character of the GDR kids.
Proud
Speaking on behalf of the GDR kids, Sakarias Iipumbu said while they have come from an abnormal life from refugee camps they are very proud of their past and the role others have played in it.
Iipumbu said the seeds of unity, discipline, as well as spirit of no surrender remain within them to this day.
“We were always told to play an active role in Namibia. We are ready to serve the [Swapo] party, country and all people of Namibia. We have the historic duty to continue with the fight of our parents,” said Iipumbu.
The launch was attended by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Swapo veteran Ben Amadhila, high-ranking Swapo functionaries like the secretary-general, Nangolo Mbumba and his deputy, Laura McLeod-Katjirua, as well as the secretaries of Swapo wings.
Also in attendance were the German ambassador to Namibia Christian Schlage, the Cuban ambassador, Antonio Pubillones and the Zambian High Commissioner, Dorothy Nachilongo.
A second launch of the book will be held by the Namibia Scientific Society on 19 August.
CATHERINE SASMAN
The book was written by Dr Jürgen Krause and Besse Kaplan with the aim to open the historic memories and shared history of both Namibians and Germans that played a role in raising the more than 430 children left destitute and in danger by the protracted war situation.
Nujoma said the book gives a pictorial glimpse into the lives of the children who were forced to live without families in a strange country who had to learn a strange language and culture for more than 11 years after the Cassinga massacre in southern Angola in May 1978.
“It also gives a face to those people who took care of them, with dedication and love,” noted Nujoma.
Nujoma also urged the GDR kids, as they have come to be known, to write their own stories to contribute to the overall story of the history of Swapo in exile.
Speaking on behalf of Krause who could not make it to the launch, the head of the Namibia Scientific Society, Waltraut Fritsche, said the book gives insight into an inter-cultural school project that started more than 38 years ago.
Krause has worked on the book for five years.
It is a compilation of documentary material he was able to salvage at the fall of the former East Germany and memories of those who have been involved in the relocation, care and education of the children.
It also comprises institutional photographs and a selection of more than 800 personal photos from the GDR kids and their educators and caregivers.
Krause explained that with this book he attempted to compile socio-political literature of contemporary history while keeping recollections personalised.
It also presents a picture of two cultures, the African-Namibian and German cultures that have been carefully balanced and merged into the character of the GDR kids.
Proud
Speaking on behalf of the GDR kids, Sakarias Iipumbu said while they have come from an abnormal life from refugee camps they are very proud of their past and the role others have played in it.
Iipumbu said the seeds of unity, discipline, as well as spirit of no surrender remain within them to this day.
“We were always told to play an active role in Namibia. We are ready to serve the [Swapo] party, country and all people of Namibia. We have the historic duty to continue with the fight of our parents,” said Iipumbu.
The launch was attended by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Swapo veteran Ben Amadhila, high-ranking Swapo functionaries like the secretary-general, Nangolo Mbumba and his deputy, Laura McLeod-Katjirua, as well as the secretaries of Swapo wings.
Also in attendance were the German ambassador to Namibia Christian Schlage, the Cuban ambassador, Antonio Pubillones and the Zambian High Commissioner, Dorothy Nachilongo.
A second launch of the book will be held by the Namibia Scientific Society on 19 August.
CATHERINE SASMAN
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