Samuel* and many other children are among the groups of families whoarrive in Windhoek, Namibia for the Family VisitProgramme that has been organised by the ICRC, Namibia Red Cross Society (NRCS) and the prison authorities. Through theprogramme,he maintains contact with his father who isdetained due to the situation in the Caprivi Region in 1999.

He was only a year old when his father was detained.He waits impatiently as his mother prepares food for his father wondering when she is going to finish.With a cheerful smile on his face he says, "I amvisualising the moment I will see my father and tell him all the stories and other things that are in myheart, each visit is a magical moment for me.""I cannot wait to tell him that I passed with flying colours at school, I came fourth in a class of 40, I know my father will be proud of me,"Samuelsays.

Heimmediately details what he would want to confide in his father. "There are big boys at school who beat me up or make mefeel scared. I want to tell my father because I do not know what to do about them. I am afraid andI cannot even tell my teacher,"he reveals.  While at the prison, Samuel savours every moment he has with his father. He holds the telephone tight as he talks to his fatherHe does not want to be disturbed by anyone during this important bonding session.

Samuel tells his fathereverything he wants to say. Hisfather listens to every word attentivelyandsmiles at his son. `` My heart is filled with joy because my father plays a special part in my life even if he is in prison. I am grateful for this gift that the ICRC and Namibia Red Cross Societyhave given us because I cannot imagine a life without seeing my father ,`` Samuel says with tears in his eyes.  AfterSamueltalksto hisfather on the last dayof the three-dayvisit,hewalks out of the prison gate with a huge smile because hecarries his father's wordsin his heart. "I am happy I saw my father, now I can face the boys at school,"he says.

* not their real names