Africa-Press – Namibia. Pupils at Ludwig Ndinda Primary School, in Okakarara, will no longer have to sit on the floor, beer crates or on tables during lessons, as Anglo-American has donated new and refurbished chairs and tables to the school.
The donation was handed over by Ambassadors for Good, Kakunauua Uazeua and Lot Nekwaya, and was done in collaboration with the Namibia San Development Organisation (NSDO) under the auspices of Jersey Katjimuine.
Uazeua told New Era the N$100 000 donation is to uplift the community by instilling hope and improving the morale of pupils at the school. Anglo-American were moved by reports that learners were forced to sit on the floor, beer crates or tables during lessons.
“Hearing this and seeing these pictures from the school saddened me. I could not imagine my own child having to learn in such an environment, and this prompted me to assist the school,” she said.
Uazeua added that she is also inspired by the word of God to contribute towards the development of the less privileged through opportunities she can access.
“We stand here after a protracted and rigorous process of securing funding, procuring material, sourcing labour, and finding volunteers to assist with fabrication. This was a wonderful example of teamwork within the community to advance and uplift it,” she said.
Uazeua believes the growth and development of a community does not require vast sums of money from one individual or the government, but small contributions from many people within the community can add up to something significant.
She urged the Okakarara community to commit to helping others where possible.
“Many hands make the work lighter, and the future of our children and the community is in our hands. Through collaboration, we can build a more progressive and resilient community where children feel valued, cared for, and understand the importance of education,” she said.
This is not the first time the ambassadors have contributed to the education of Namibian children. In collaboration with NSDO, they have also assisted Okakarara Secondary School acquire computers and set up a computer laboratory to bring technology closer to the community.
Manfred Tjirare, principal of Ludwig Ndinda PS, expressed appreciation for the assistance and promised to take good care of the furniture.
“We are happy to receive these items as we have struggled without them for a long time. It was not conducive for learners to operate in such an environment, and it was a big concern to us,” Tjirare said.
The school, in the Okahandja circuit, is home to 424 learners and 15 teachers.
Despite the donation, Tjirare said the school still has many needs, ranging from fencing, a library, and a computer lab.
“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We need a smart board due to the advancement of technology. We have 13 classrooms, and we need more,” he said.
Furthermore, the school, which was built in 1941, has a community hostel which also requires renovations.
Tjirare said the children’s meals are cooked in an open area and the school struggles to buy firewood to prepare the food.
“This is a very stressful situation. We need electrical pots to feed our learners properly,” he said.
The ablution facilities at the hostel and the school are a major cause for concern, as learners are forced to use the bush when nature calls.
“Our hostel needs mattresses, as it is risky to let children commute from neighbouring villages of Omatjatjeva and Orunahi because of child trafficking and other crimes,” Tjirare said.
He emphasised that he is working hard to have the hostel changed to a government hostel.
“Perhaps this will help as the community is struggling, and that affects learners studying under these difficult circumstances,” he said.
The principal added that the school has no sports field for learners to display their athletic talent at a tender age.
He appealed to good Samaritans to assist the school with whatever they can to contribute to the education of Namibian child.
Ludwig Ndinda PS is about 30 kilometres north-east of Okakarara.
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