6 minute read
Going the Distance: A Solo Journey to Empower Youth
Embarking on a journey of a lifetime, Ray Sasman, a 52-year-old former teacher, became the first woman to traverse Namibia on foot from end to end. She began her epic 1,820-kilometre trek from the Noordoewer Border Post in the //Kharas Region on 3 May this year and reached the Katima Mulilo Border Post on 12 August. This extraordinary mission was undertaken entirely on foot to raise awareness and support for youth empowerment through her Walk With Me campaign. Each step brought her closer – not only to her destination but also to herself, the people of Namibia and her ultimate goal of advancing youth empowerment.
Back home safely after this remarkable journey, Ray reflects warmly on her experience.
“Walking allowed me to connect with people in profound ways – I made incredible connections with shepherds tending their goats, with those waiting for rides and with pretty much everyone I encountered. Slowing down allowed me to truly observe and immerse myself in the world around me.” Each morning began with the sun on her face and just a backpack of essentials on her back. Ray shares that she initially started her journey with a trolley to carry her supplies, but her experience of Namibia’s renowned hospitality soon changed her approach.
“It was truly a highlight for me to witness how Namibia opened its hearts and homes to me. I began with my trolley, but it wasn’t long before I realised that the warmth and generosity of Namibians made it possible to leave it behind. I could simply walk with my backpack, knowing I was supported along the way.” In her backpack, Ray carried just the essentials: four litres of water, energy-infused health snacks, freeze-dried food and a small sleeping bag. “You begin to realise how little we actually need,” she reflects.
Ray explains that this journey was as much for herself as it was for others. “I was walking for myself; this was my pilgrimage,” she says. But she was also driven by a desire to support the Narraville Youth Centre in Walvis Bay, a project spearheaded by the mayor. “This youth centre is designed to be a safe haven for children after school, where they can receive a hot meal and gain valuable skills. Plans include a computer centre, as well as education and sports areas to encourage an active lifestyle. It’s a place to keep the youth off the streets and provide them with opportunities for a better future.”
Ray’s motivation for embarking on this monumental trek was deeply personal. She reflects on the support she received from youth centres during her own upbringing. Growing up during apartheid, Ray found solace and inspiration in these centres. “In the 1970s in Khomasdal, an NG Kerk established a youth centre where we went every day after school. It had a library, and I believe I read every single book on its shelves. They also organised hiking activities, which sparked my love for the outdoors.” This experience left a lasting impression, driving her to give back and support similar initiatives for the next generation.
Ray undertook this incredible journey alone, yet she was never truly by herself. The spirit of Namibians shone brightly along her path, as strangers often joined her for stretches of her trek, especially schoolchildren who left a profound impact on her. She recalls a particularly moving gesture in Keetmanshoop by one of the region’s poorest schools, the Minna Sachs Primary School. “They started a coin collection for my cause, which was incredibly touching. I was so inspired that I decided to match their contribution and used the money to buy pencils for their students. It was important to me that this project was about paying it forward and creating ripples of goodwill. In Rehoboth, Dr Lemmer High School and Rehoboth Primary School also supported my journey with their own collection. Those children even walked a significant distance out of Rehoboth with me.”
Ray recalls, “Facing the elements every day was a challenge. On the third day, I encountered a severe sandstorm before Grünau and suffered a heat stroke. But through these trials, you realise just how resilient we can be. Witnessing the resilience of the Namibian people was truly inspirational. I hope to encourage the youth of Namibia to put down their phones and connect with our beautiful country, its wonderful people, and its stunning nature.”
Another memorable highlight of Ray’s journey was the support she received from FlyNamibia. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to FlyNamibia for being a sponsor of Walk With Me. After such a long and exhausting trek, it was a tremendous relief to know I would be flying home quickly and safely. Their gesture was a beautiful and much-appreciated conclusion to my journey,” says Ray, having received a complimentary flight from Katima Mulilo.
Now back home, Ray fondly reflects on the many joys she experienced during her journey. She recounts the heartfelt moments when people would pause their travels to chat with her, open their homes, or even invite her to pitch her tent next to their modest shacks, despite having little to offer. She also reminisces about the unique beauty of Namibia as seen on foot. “Travelling by car, you rush past so much,” she says. “But walking allowed me to truly notice everything. I remember one frosty morning, just 25 kilometres from Rehoboth, when I spotted icicles hanging from anthills. Experiencing the Namibian outdoors at such a slow pace was incredibly rewarding. Slowing down lets you appreciate the ever-changing landscape and the subtleties of its beauty.”
Following her epic journey, Ray raised N$66,900 which she handed over to the mayor of Walvis Bay in September. This contribution to the planned Narraville Youth Centre is intended to inspire others to connect with their community and find a safe, supportive space for growth.
