Zebaldt Ngaruka
OTJIJARUA – In his efforts to contribute to the education of the Namibian child, Leonard Vehonga Kandjiriomuini, a prominent farmer in the Omaheke region, donated goods worth N$25 000 to the Morukutu Early Child Development (ECD) centre in Otjijarua village recently.
The donated items include school uniforms and playground materials.
In addition to the goods, Kandjiriomuini, who is a tour guide by profession, contributed N$11 000 towards the further studies of the Morukutu ECD centre’s head teacher.
Speaking to New Era, Kandjiriomuini said education needs the support of all citizens.
“We cannot rely on government to provide everything. It should be the responsibility of all stakeholders to assist where possible,” he said. Kandjiriomuini further informed this publication that his love for education triggered him to contribute to the education of the Namibian child.
“Education is one of the key components of development, and giving a chance to someone to study is the greatest investment. These learners are the future of our country, and if they are well taken care of, the level of poverty among our nations will be reduced to zero,” he said.Kandjiriomuini is not new to contributing to the education of the Namibian child.
Last year, he took the responsibility of paying for tertiary education for the best academic performer at Epukiro Secondary School and pledged towards the prize-giving ceremony as well.“I also donated clothing to the Good Hope Primary School in Okovimburu last year. This was all in the name of empowering learners, especially those from marginalised groups in our society,” he said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Morukutu ECD centre, Densia Uaraa Pakarae, the head teacher at the centre, said the assistance will bring hope and create better learning opportunities for the children.
“On behalf of our ECD, the teachers, parents and our children, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the support,” she said. Another appreciation was extended to Old Mutual, Ricky Tjijenda and his wife, and Epukiro constituency councillor Pineal Packy Pakarae for their generous support to the centre as well.
“We would also like to extend our thanks to neighbouring Morukutu Primary School, especially the management and staff, for your cooperation and support. Your willingness to assist reflects true community partnership,” said the head teacher.
Despite the donation, the ECD still have some challenges.“As our numbers have grown, the challenges we face, such as a lack of proper fencing and limited access to water, are more urgent needs. This will ensure the safety, hygiene and well-being of our learners are prioritised,” she added.
She pleaded to good Samaritans to assist with fencing, as livestock is tampering with the safety, cleanliness and learning spaces.
“Although we have water tanks here, we are forced to pay N$150 to buy diesel to get water here, and we pay N$50 to pump water and bring it to the centre. This puts a financial burden on this small ECD centre,” said Pakarae.
The Morukutu centre, which usually enrols 40 learners, has so far registered 27, as registration continues.
The centre was established in 2015.