By William J. Mbangula
Omusimboti – Four rural schools in Ongwediva, Uuvudhiya, Uukwiyushona and Oshakati East constituencies were the beneficiaries of a donation of printers, faxes, books and clothing made by Lungada Edu-Med Support Programme.
The sponsor of the four schools (Omusimboti, Oshekasheka, Uukwiyushona and Omapopo) is a non-profit making organization which has taken a “noble step to assist under-privileged rural schools and learners”.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Omusimboti Combined School in Oshakati East constituency, Lungada Edu-Med Support Programme representative Ndeumona Eli Hausiku said the Government should not be the only institution that works towards the advancement of the educational sector, but all the people concerned should contribute to education especially in rural schools.
She explained that teachers and learners work under severe constraints. According to Hausiku, the sponsors of the facilities have long-term objectives that will not only benefit other people but also themselves.
It was noted that if learners succeed in their studies, they will become useful citizens to their specific needs. The sponsors, among them Minolco, Jakes Copyright Centre Nampost and Schoemans believe that the successful learners will not only become doctors, pilots, nurses and accountants but will also become information and communication technology engineers who are needed by most sponsors.
Said Hausiku: “Namibia as a country can only grow if men and women are committed to the course of nation building and development. Progress can only come about if we work and plough back the seeds to our rural communities who mostly lag behind in terms of education, health, information technology and general well-being. We can bring about development into our own communities, but only if we can go an extra mile in our efforts to achieve success.”
Hausiku said her organization started making donations in 2000. These are schools and learners that have the potential to succeed.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Director of Education Dutte Shinyemba, Education Planner Paulinus Enkono said the donations have come at the right time when the world has put information communication technology (ICT) at the forefront of development.
Facilities such as photocopying machines and faxes are necessary for the advancement of educational training and should be put to good use in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the beneficiaries.
“It is only these types of companies, the non-profit making organizations and individuals of goodwill with the mindset of generosity that envision Namibia as a prosperous and industrialized nation by the year 2030.”
He added: “Investing resources in education is a proactive action that guarantees a prosperous future. It is in our common interest to support educational development by supporting the Government irrespective of our political affiliation, religious beliefs, creed, race and ethnic origin.”
Lungada Edu-Med Support Programme was recently commended by Prime Minister Nahas Angula for their contribution to education development.
Said the Premier: “I would like to appeal to the private sector to continue to partner with Lungada Edu-Med Support Programme to improve the learning environment of our rural schools. In so doing, the programme will empower the rural learners and teachers.”
Among the previous beneficiaries are Kapombo, Omuve and Ohalushuin in Ohangwena Region, and Siya, Sinzongoro, Halili, Leevi Hakusembe, Simanya, Kanyikama, Mutengo, Nkinka, Namuntuntu, Makambu, Tuguva, Katwitwi, Kamina and Simunu in the Kavango Region.