Hello! We are SmilingKidsNamibia.

SmilingKids Namibia has been a registered non-profit organization since 2023. We have established the first professional clinic clown team in Namibia and bring laughter and joy to the country's townships, orphanages and hospitals. Our goal and thus also the purpose of our association is to improve the mental health of children, young people and their families in Namibia. At the same time, we are establishing a new professional field in a country that urgently needs jobs.

The core of our work towards happier communities:

The focus is primarily on the mental health of children, young people and families affected by poverty. Children often grow up with resignation and hopelessness. Music, play, creativity and laughter are not only the best complement to medicine in hospitals, but also provide important mental relief for physically healthy children. Clowns, storytellers, magicians, actors and volunteers bring all this to people who need emotional care and relief. Our Smile team visits hospitals, orphanages and women's shelters, youth centers, kindergartens, (pre-)schools and soup kitchens. We also offer theater workshops and (educational) shows for disadvantaged children of all ages.

Because every child has the right to play, have fun and relax!

The moments of lightness have a positive effect on the children's entire environment. The clowns also bring new creative impulses to parents, caregivers and support staff such as teachers and educators. Humor in everyday life has a transformative effect and has also been proven to facilitate learning. Theater experiences strengthen self-confidence - whether on stage as a participant or as a spectator in the audience.

"Stories convey morals and values and also have a long tradition in the African context."

SmilingKidsNamibia e.V. picks up where many other valuable aid programs unfortunately leave off. Of course, basic needs such as food distribution, medical care or clothing and blankets are of great importance for children living in poverty. The same applies to education and support programs that ensure equal opportunities. However, it must not stop there and that's why we are here; in order to guarantee the long-term success and advancement of children out of the poverty spiral, children, young people and families also need mental well-being, emotional strength and happiness.

Playing and laughing relieves stress, processes strong emotions and strengthens self-confidence.

Through their encounters with the clowns, children are able to overcome traumatic or stressful situations in a playful way, which they are often unable to put into words or discuss with anyone. At the same time, the power of imagination is used to change a little child-friendly environment and often simply gives them the opportunity to escape the worries of everyday life.

Thank you for helping us to bring a smile and so much more to every child in Namibia.