Timelines

The South West African People's Organization (SWAPO) campaigned for the GDR to take in Namibian children as part of a solidarity campaign and to provide them with accommodation and education. A total of 430 children are taken in by the GDR, many of whom attend the so-called “School of Friendship” in Staßfurt. There are also many (a total of 900) Mozambican youths there. The “School of Friendship” is an educational institution that is isolated from the majority society of the GDR. The young people have no visiting rights. After eight years of schooling, they can begin vocational training in Staßfurt and the surrounding area. However, many return to Namibia immediately after school or after completing their training, where they are again considered “Germans” and experience difficulties returning and reintegrating into society. During the period of reunification, the school is increasingly affected by racist attacks.