Impalila Island — Deputy Prime Minister Natangwe Ithete has called on all Namibians to embrace education as a collective responsibility, saying it remains the most powerful investment to break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.
Speaking during the handover of 300 pairs of school shoes and sanitary pads to learners at Impalila Combined School on Friday, Ithete said the gesture symbolised not only compassion but a national commitment to empower the country’s most vulnerable children.
The donation was made possible through a partnership between the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Rent-A-Drum, a Namibian waste management company known for its strong corporate social responsibility initiatives.
“It gives me great honour to be here today on Impalila Island, one of the most resilient communities in our country,” said Ithete. “When I first came here around 2015, there were no roads, no electricity — but together, through determination and teamwork, we brought development to this area. That spirit of partnership is what education needs too.”
Hilka Hamukuaja , representing Rent-A-Drum, received special recognition from the Deputy Prime Minister for her company’s contribution.
“Let’s give a round of applause to Madam Hilka,” Ithete said, inviting her to wave to the cheering children. “She is the mother who brought you these gifts. I’m only here to hand them over.”
He emphasised that the donation of school shoes and sanitary pads was more than an act of generosity — it was a tangible step towards ensuring that no child is left behind in pursuit of knowledge.
“By donating these school shoes and sanitary pads, we are easing the burden on parents and reaffirming our shared responsibility to build a better future,” he said.
Reflecting on the transformative progress of Impalila Island, Ithete praised the efforts of the school’s leadership, teachers, and community members for maintaining and improving education facilities despite challenges.
He also urged learners to value their education and prepare to take charge of Namibia’s future, particularly in light of the country’s growing oil and gas sector.
“With the new discovery of oil and gas at our shores, you are the generation that will continue where the current leadership ends,” he told the learners. “Do not sell your country to anyone. Take pride in your nation and lead with dignity.”
Turning to educators and parents, Ithete underscored the vital role of discipline and moral guidance at home and in schools.
“Education starts at home. It takes more than a brilliant mind to succeed — it takes discipline, good morals, and the right attitude,” he said. “If we, the parents, fail to guide our children, we are sabotaging their future. ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’ — not a call for corporal punishment, but a reminder to teach the right way.”
Ithete reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with communities, schools, and the private sector to strengthen education and achieve Namibia’s national development goals.
“Together, through partnership between community, home, schools, and government ministries, we will move closer to achieving our national development goals,” he said. The event highlighted how education thrives when government, private sector, and communities unite — a true reflection of the spirit of shared responsibility that Ithete championed.