KATIMA MULILO – The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church has reversed a decision taken 62 years ago to close Adventist schools in the formerly Caprivi (now renamed Zambezi) Region.
Mavuluma Adventist Primary School was inaugurated on Wednesday under SDA.
The building of the school was made possible through the philanthropic activities of Maranatha.
Maranatha, an SDA church based in the United States of America, offers similar assistance around the world.
The school will only start enrolling learners – Grade One to Three – next year and expects to enrol over 100 learners.
Jost Kawana, the deputy director in the regional directorate of education, noted during the handover of the school that the opening of the school came at an opportune time when the region is faced with an overwhelming high number of learner enrolment.
“It’s a human rights issue for every child to receive a decent education. We have 20 schools in the Katima circuit and over 12 000 learners. We are forced to have the platoon system whereby some learners are compelled to come to class in the afternoon. This donation is very important as it will address the high learner enrolment challenge we face,” stated Kawana.
He pledged his support towards the school.
“We wish the school will cater for everyone and we are ready to give our support,” noted Kawana.
Ignatius Nkunga, special advisor to the Zambezi Regional Governor Lawrence Sampofu, echoed similar sentiments adding that the effort of the church would complement government and instil Christian values that are lacking in secular schools.
“The government encourages the establishment of private schools for more children to have access to education. When churches do this, it’s a step in the right direction. This school will cater for the values missing in secular schools. I encourage the church to continue with this gesture,” stated Nkunga.
The first Adventist school was established in 1920 at Ikaba, in the far eastern flood plains of the region. Twelve more schools were established in the region later but were all closed down in 1943.
According to information provided, the rationale behind the opening of the religious school is to provide education to learners in the physical, mental and spiritual realm.
SDA Namibia conference president Mishake Mukubonda, who also spoke at the event, stated that the school would source its human capital from retired teachers and expatriates.
According to him, this is aimed at avoiding poaching teachers from the Ministry of Education.
The school is the first of its kind in over 60 years and boasts nine classrooms, ablution facilities, a school hall and a library.