Africa-Press – Namibia. Learners from Simon Amutenya Private School in Ohangwena’s Endola Circuit have been at home for nearly two months after the school’s sudden closure due to unpaid rental fees.
The school has been closed since 11 April.
The private institution, which offers classes from pre-primary to grade 3, has now left parents scrambling for alternatives.
Parents have since expressed frustration, saying they were given no proper guidance or documents to help transfer their children to other schools.
One parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said attempts to enrol her child elsewhere have been unsuccessful due to the lack of academic records.
“Schools are turning us away because there is nothing to show our children’s academic progress. Without school reports, what will convince them to admit our kids?” the parent asked.
Adding to their distress, some parents claim that the belongings of children who were in the hostel are still locked inside the school premises.
“We have been misled. Now we must buy new school supplies because the school won’t release our children’s items,” another parent complained.
School owner Fiina Aludhilu confirmed the closure, citing outstanding rental fees but declined to disclose the exact amount.
She said she had appealed to the landlord to release the pupil’s belongings while she resolved the issue, but her request was denied.
“I have tried to engage the landlord, but they have refused to cooperate. I didn’t expect things to reach this point,” Aludhilu said.
Attempts to get a comment from the landlord were unsuccessful.
However, a source close to the matter claimed the landlord changed the padlocks and seized school property.
In response to the growing concern, the ministry of education has issued letters instructing nearby schools to admit the displaced learners.
Ohangwena regional education director Isak Hamatwi confirmed the directive.
“We have advised nearby schools to accommodate the learners. For those seeking to relocate their children to other regions, that falls outside our jurisdiction,” Hamatwi said.
He added that the principal had previously assured the education office that she would settle the debts, a promise she reportedly failed to fulfil.
“She gave us her word during a meeting, but nothing came of it. We warned her to resolve the matter. According to regulations, if a private school remains closed for more than six months, its registration can be suspended,” he said.
Meanwhile, when approached for comment, Endola Circuit inspector Anna Nghihepa said she has no time to talk to the media before hanging up her phone.
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