In the picture (above): Ester and Katrina - In the video (below): Iyaloo.
Düsseldorf, October 2020: The 15 qualified participants in the TalentOrange program in Namibia finally arrived in Germany in July. In addition to the new employer of the healthcare professionals - a renowned German university hospital - the TalentOrange team was also supported by Deutsche Welle (DW). At that time, the talented youngsters, including Iyaloo and Katrina, were still at the beginning of their journey. A continuation of the TV report illustrates the challenges international colleagues like tham have to master in Germany.
In the interview, the two Talents talk about their experience, their first impressions and their wishes for the future:
What do you love about your profession as a nurse?
Iyaloo: The promise to help people when they cannot help themselves.
Katrina: It is a very competitive and encouraging job where you learn something new every day. Above all it is full of love and empathy - I am very proud to be a nurse.
How do you cope with the German language?
Iyaloo: German is not an easy language and I have to work daily to improve myself.
Katrina: In the beginning everything was new and complicated. Even now it is still often the case. But now I can create complete sentences and understand them better. But it is still a language that is difficult to learn.
Did you feel well looked after?
Iyaloo: TalentOrange was the bridge between me and my current employer in Germany. They organised everything and made the language course possible. But the most power was given to me by my parents and my younger brother.
Katrina: I can really say that we had great support from the company and the teachers. TalentOrange also made sure that we got extra help when needed. My family and friends have also always supported me and are always there for me.
How was your arrival at the hospital in Düsseldorf?
Iyaloo: I immediately felt very welcome in Germany. Thanks to the great management of the University Hospital, I am very much at home.
Katrina: We were given a warm welcome. My mentor and colleagues made me feel welcome on the ward, although I am still trying to adapt to the environment and people. But I hope with time it will be easier.
What is the current situation at the hospital in general?
Iyaloo: The working environment should be assessed neutrally. However, I am very satisfied with my mentors and with the doctors.
Katrina: I think things are a bit different than normal now because of Corona, but actually I think the patient care system is great.
What distinguishes Namibia and Germany at first sight?
Iyaloo: There are some differences between Namibia and Germany in terms of culture, nutrition and human behaviour. You have to experience both sides to put it into words.
Katrina: What really stands out in Germany compared to Namibia is the availability of resources, the use or collection of patient data with computers. Otherwise, most things are very similar. Nurses in Namibia can actually perform more tasks/activities than here.
Do you pass on your knowledge to Namibia?
Iyaloo: Yes, because as nurses in Namibia we are the heart and soul of the healthcare system.
Katrina: That is one of the reasons I am here. I would like to be able to share the experience and knowledge I have gained with my colleagues in Namibia. Modern communication makes it possible to exchange information across national border. Whenever there is an opportunity to teach the Namibian health team something new that I learn here, I enjoy doing it.
What do you wish for the future?
Iyaloo: I would like to continue my studies in diabetes and nutrition.
Katrina: I would like more people to appreciate the nursing profession because it is fascinating and interesting. Personally, my next goal is to pass the recognition exam.
Thank you very much!
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The company was founded in 2012 as Capitalent Medical by the medical doctor Tilman Frank in Frankfurt am Main. Graduates of renowned nursing universities from around ten countries, including Latin America, Southern Africa, South-East Asia dn Europe, can apply for the TalentOrange programm. The team enables the selected aTlents to take an intensive German course free of charge, supported by a monthly scholarship, at one of 16 language schools worldwide or at their own language school in Germany and then to find a suitable job at a German hospital.