The last few months have certainly been among the saddest and most challenging in a long time for Namibia, the Namibia health care fraternity and also the school community of the Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS). Many families had to mourn the sad loss of a close relative and hospital staff nationwide were strained to their limits.

The DHPS community, the healthcare system and Namibian solidarity proved to be strong and supportive in this time. For example, on 1 July 2021, the German School Abroad held its Day of Kindness in honour of the heroes of the Namibian health service and, as part of the #NamibiaThanksYou campaign, designed countless posters, wrote greetings and poems, created artwork and found many different ways to express gratitude.
But one photo and the resulting artwork touched Namibians´ hearts in particular: DHPS learner Cara Köpplinger captured the great gesture of hugging nurses with brush and paint and received nationwide attention for it - especially in Windhoek, where the photo was taken on 23 June 2021 at Paramount Healthcare Center Hospital. Paramount Healthcare Center, having admitted at the time more than 20 critically ill Covid-19 patients decided to print Cara's painting on large canvases and to donate these to various health organisations as a way of expressing their gratitude and condolences during this difficult time and as a remembrance to those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

"We try to teach the learners at DHPS that we can overcome crises together and that everyone should try to contribute to the community," says DHPS Principal, Kristin Eichholz. “Cara put this into practise in an exemplary way - without imagining the resulting echo of her contribution. I am very proud of Cara.”

In recognition towards Cara’s initiative in painting this precious moment, Paramount Healthcare Center donated a generous amount to DHPS, specifically towards supplementing the DHPS Corona Fund, which supports families in the school community who have been particularly affected by the pandemic. Paramount Healthcare Center also recognised Cara in handing her a small token of appreciation for her unselfish dedication and commitment to making a lasting impression on many lives in Namibia through her painting.
Cara's original artwork now adorns the conference room of the Paramount Healthcare Centre in Windhoek, whilst the canvas prints can be admired in various locations, including DHPS.

In the words of Hein Venter, Managing Director, Paramount Healthcare Centre, “Cara planted her own garden and decorated her own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring her flowers.” Mr. Venter’s message to the youth of Namibia during the handover ceremony was, “Remember, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift and that's why they call it the present. You, can make a difference!”