Zebaldt Ngaruka

EPUKIRO – The role of grandparents in the lives of learners was recently honoured and celebrated at all N/a’ an ku sê schools in Namibia.

At each school, learners showed various  performances, storytelling sessions, shared meals, prepared songs, poems and short dramas to honour their grandparents on the prestigious event.

The N/a’ an ku sê schools’ manager, Joey Potgieter, shared with New Era that the Ouma en Oupa Day was aimed at strengthening intergenerational bonds, showing appreciation, and creating space for storytelling, wisdom sharing, and joyful connection between young and old.

“Grandparents often provide emotional support, cultural grounding, and life lessons that complement formal education. By involving them in school life, we reinforce values such as respect, identity and belonging, which are all essential to the growth of a well-rounded Namibian child,” Potgieter said.

She added that the day highlighted the importance of community and family in a child’s holistic development.

Asked whether the Oupa en Ouma Day will be an annual event, Potgieter said it will become a tradition going forward.

“We hosted it for the first time, and we will continue staging it every year from now on. Also, we look forward to welcoming grandparents into our school spaces to celebrate their influence and presence,” she said.

The schools’ manager added that the audience showed a positive response, and that grandparents expressed deep gratitude for being acknowledged.

“Many parents shared how proud they were to see their grandchildren thriving.  Learners were excited to showcase their talents and spend quality time with their elders,” she explained.

Potgieter added that the teachers were too excited and noticed the atmospheric spirit at their schools, which was significant for strengthening community ties.

“Some learners also hosted small exhibitions of traditional crafts and family photos. It was a joyful, emotional day that reminded us all of the power of love, legacy and learning across generations,” the school manager said.

N/a’ an ku sê operates four schools across Namibia, each committed to providing quality education rooted in compassion, discipline, and community upliftment.

These include N/a’ an ku sê Primary School near Windhoek, Timbila School in the Erongo region, Harnas School in the east, and Epukiro School in the Omaheke region.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com