By Frederick Philander
WINDHOEK
The Constantia Private School in the capital this week received a donation of N$30 000 from Siemens for its annual golf day next month.
The principal, Amanda Moresche, learners and staff expressed their delight at the donation, the biggest in the history of the school that started in 1968 as a day care centre.
“The care centre developed into a pre-school and then a primary school because there was a need for learners to continue their education on an English language basis,” said principal Moresche.
Though registered with the Ministry of Education, Constantia Private School does not receive any funding from the Government.
“In essence the school is a community project with its current fees lower than that of most private schools receiving subsidies from the Government.
Although this is a non-profit organization, we do not subscribe to the ‘charity’ idea. Parents and learners are taught to work for what they want through several annual fundraising efforts,” a brochure of the school emphasizes.
According to Moresche, the school tries to equip learners from grades 1 to 7 to help themselves instead of depending on others to reach their goals at the school that has more than 150 learners enrolled.
“Namibian children get preference as we believe they have the potential to become the leaders of tomorrow with the necessary foundation, education and vision. We also accommodate students with learning and physical disabilities such as wheelchair-bound children and others. Our aim is to educate learners in mind, body and soul for life,” she said.
According to her, the school has enjoyed many sporting and other academic achievements over the years.
“The school came 3rd in the British Commonwealth quiz and debate in 2004. We are currently developing a distance teaching programme for primary school children that will benefit learners throughout the country and hopefully further afield.
“We are also the only school in the country that is making use of a computerized reading programme through which learners are assisted to become better readers,” the principal said.