MASOKOTWANI — The Zambezi region has become the latest beneficiary of the China-aided rural schools programme after the Chinese government officially handed over two state-of-the-art facilities at Masokotwani and Liselo Combined Schools.
These donations, worth over N$90 million, entail hostels for boys and girls with a total capacity of 336 boarders at one of the schools, kitchens, dining halls, multi-purpose halls, administration blocks, 18 classrooms, science labs, computer labs, libraries, ablution blocks as well as upgraded sport grounds for football, netball, basketball and volleyball.
Speaking at the event yesterday, education minister Anna Nghipondoka said the donation was made possible by the Chinese government through the Agency for International Economic Cooperation.
She added that the assistance will undoubtedly transform the educational landscape for learners and educators alike.
Prior to the donation, many learners resorted to renting in make-shift structures situated closer to their schools, as the schools had no accommodation.
Some of them continue to walk long distances to and from school.
Nghipondoka stressed that the importance of accommodation facilities, such as hostels and teachers’ houses, cannot be overstated.
The donations were essential resources, and they address the critical issues of accessibility and retention.
“No longer will our learners have to endure long, exhausting journeys to and from school – and our teachers will find greater stability and support in their roles. This, in turn, will reduce dropout rates, and enhance teacher retention – factors that are vital for a thriving education system”.
The ministry received similar facilities at Satotwa and Simanya Combined Schools in the Kavango West region.
Chinese ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said China has always been supportive of Namibia’s social and economic development, and education is the key area of their cooperation.
“Masokotwani and Liselo combined schools are among the four China-aided rural schools, with their construction starting in 2022. With the completion of these four schools, China has donated nine schools to Namibia since the establishment of China-Namibia diplomatic relations in 1990,” he highlighted.
He said China is happy to contribute to the consistent efforts of the Namibian government in improving Namibia’s educational infrastructure.
They are determined to do more in the years to come.
Nghipondoka said educational infrastructure remains one of the challenges the ministry continues to face.
“However, as a ministry, we are resolute in our mission to provide accessible, equitable and inclusive quality education. Our Accelerated Infrastructure Development Plan (AIDeP) is a testament to this commitment. This plan identifies the immediate infrastructural needs required to maintain low learner-to-teacher ratios, reduce travel distances and address the needs for hostels, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and IT infrastructure,” she noted.
The AIDeP has been integrated into the 2022 education conference, which will guide the ministry’s efforts from 2023 to 2030.
Nghipondoka asserted that this plan is crucial in driving educational transformation in Namibia, and infrastructure development is one of its key levers of change.
She encouraged beneficiaries to take care of the infrastructure, saying the conducive environment created is their launching pad to academic excellence.
Maskotwani principal Matthew Lichaba expressed gratitude over the donated facilities.
“Today, we are proud that we have 28 classrooms. We are accommodating learners from as far as Impalila and Ngoma. Our results improved. We managed to produce 30 learners who are doing Advanced Subsidiary. We wholeheartedly promise to take care of these structures,” he said.
Maskotwani has 41 qualified teachers and 1 174 learners.
-anakale@nepc.com.na