Luderitz Blue School

I predominantly taught the year 7s,8s,9s public speaking as part of their English curriculum. Throughout the course of the term they improved massively and it was so lovely to play a role in their development as speakers. On top of that I also took them for sports and sports club. The students were super enthusiastic when it came to their sports specifically football and netball but they were also open to trying new sports and maintained that enthusiasm across the term. Finally, as part of my role as an intern at the school, I got to be apart of the Oceans Days that take place every Friday. The students undertook a wide range of activities that linked back to sustainability and the environment around them. My personal favourite one that I got to be apart of, was judging the fashion show for the Turtle class. I couldn’t recommend this internship enough.

I was lucky enough to spend October and November 2024 in Lüderitz, Namibia, working at the Blue School. I stayed in the Blue House with Florrie, the other intern at the time, and we absolutely loved it. The Blue House has the most incredible view, and all of the boarders were so kind and welcoming. The entire teaching staff made me feel at home from the beginning, and Lüderitz itself is such a beautiful and unique town. During my time at the Blue School, I helped coach sailing, assisted in classes, and supported rehearsals for the school play, Treasure Island. Lüderitz has some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen, alongside a very friendly and welcoming community. I also had the opportunity to travel to other parts of Namibia during half term and on weekends, which made the experience even more special. The Blue School is involved in so many inspiring projects, and the children are enthusiastic, welcoming, and passionate, a real pleasure to work with. I especially appreciated the balance between creativity, outdoor activities and classroom learning, as well as the opportunities for trips and hands-on experiences. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend.

I went to work at the Lüderitz Blue School during my gap year in 2024. I was teaching primary to GCSE level English, maths and science during the day but much more outside of that. The school asked me and the other lovely interns to also run art club, science club, ocean day activities and we took the kids to the Namib desert for a week to learn about sustainability! What I loved most about LBS was its environmental and ocean focus - day-to-day teaching was underpinned with ocean literacy. Being located right on the South coast of Namibia it is part of the school’s ethos that students understand the fundamental importance, diversity, fun and safety of the ocean. Having gone to school in London, I was lucky enough to have had access to swimming lessons, something we often take for granted here. As a previously competitive swimmer I was very keen to teach the students out there basic swimming and buoyancy techniques, something they didn’t have much access to despite being next to the sea. I think it was the most rewarding part of my trip and the kids were incredible, hard-working and improved so much! I also taught ballet and aided with sailing lessons which was so much fun! The accommodation, community and friends I made there was amazing and I still remain in touch with them. I cannot wait to return!

I went to Namibia to intern at the Blue School in September 2025, not really knowing what I would find or if I would like it. Transport from the airport was arranged for me, and when I walked into the school, I was surrounded by smiles and welcoming staff and children. It was an amazing experience; to me, it felt like a place where, if you have a good (or bad) idea, you are allowed to carry it out and you will receive help with it. Because the school is quite small, you know everybody by name. The environment is beautiful, with lots of nature, wildlife, and an ocean to swim in. The town is really small; it has a harbor, one gym, two supermarkets, and a few bars. I never felt unsafe walking around in town, but I do think that at night it is best to avoid certain areas. In my spare time, I went clubbing, and you can rent or borrow a car to go camping and exploring; I also surfed and rode my bike. For me it was a great experience and, besides all the fun I had and the friends I made, it was super educational learning from another culture and working with different people.

I came to Lüderitz fresh out of university, wanting more than just another backpacking trip — somewhere to stay for a while and really get stuck in. I had no idea I'd end up staying on! As a performing arts intern at LBS, I was given real ownership from the start. I took on the secondary school Instagram, helped with Glee Club, set up a chess knockout tournament, put on a verbatim play, and did loads of photography and video editing for the school. Whatever you want to try, they fully support you. From teaching robotics to surfing to sign language. Living in the boarding house was a highlight. Getting close with the kids, helping with activities, and just being part of their everyday lives felt really special. The house also had a gorgeous balcony overlooking the sea — I spent a lot of time up there reading, tanning, and doing yoga! Outside of school, I helped with the sailing club (having never sailed before), learnt to row for the first time, and went offshore with Kelp Blue — a local kelp cultivation and harvesting company — to see the farm, what they actually do out there, and lots of dolphins. I also went on a road trip with two other interns and a local friend, all of whom I'm still in touch with. We went sandboarding on dunes, did a self-drive safari, went hiking, tried traditional Namibian food, went mountain biking, and loads more. Lüderitz is a really special place, and you can make of it whatever you want. If you're more adventurous – weekend road trips, mountain biking, long runs along the peninsula, camping, hiking. Or if you prefer a slower pace – reading your book with a coffee while watching the sea on a day that is, hopefully, not too windy! I loved it so much I asked to come back, and here I am six months later, working in outreach for the school and doing social media for Kelp Blue. I couldn't recommend these internships enough!

What an amazing experience! I spent 6 months at the school as a qualified teacher and felt so welcomed, supported, and valued from the very beginning. The staff were incredibly friendly and professional, the students were enthusiastic and eager to learn, and the leadership team created such a positive environment to work in. The local environment in Lüderitz is absolutely breathtaking, making the experience even more special. There is a real sense of community spirit both within the school and the wider town, and it is something that is truly there to be embraced. I learned so much during my time there and would highly recommend the school to anyone considering working or learning there.

It was a wonderful experience to get the opportunity to work as a Visiting Librararian at the Blue School. I felt trusted and supported in the challanges it meant setting up a library, and also building the library. I also met great co-workers at the school. I also enjoyed being a part of Kelp Blue. I made good friends with empoyees at Kelp Blue through the shared accomodation. I got to join the divers for a day, take part in barbecues and was invited on excursions. The atmosphere at the school was great. I really liked the smallness of the school. Lüderitz is also an amazing, and a little bit strange, town. Beautiful stone houses built by the Germans more than 100 years ago, in the middle of the dessert. The location by the ocean and dessert is nothing I have ever experienced before. The nature of Namibia is stunning. If you get the chance to go to Lüderitz, take it! I hope I will get the chance to come back one day!

My time interning at the Blue School was incredible. Lüderitz is a unique coastal desert town unlike any other, with a warm and welcoming community both within and beyond the school. From the beginning, I felt supported and included. During my three months there, I had the opportunity to co-direct the end-of-year theatre production, help organise a carol concert with the wider town community, got involved in sports competitions, assisted across a range of lessons and extracurricular activities, and even took part in weekend sailing. Creativity and initiative are genuinely valued, and you can make a real difference. Although Lüderitz is a somewhat quiet town, there is always something happening within the community, and it has everything you need and more. The boarding house I stayed in was comfortable, and had an amazing view of the ocean. I also had the chance to explore more of Namibia, which I could not recommend enough- it really is a stunning country.