Lissony Njembo
The Otjozondjupa education directorate recently received a two-hectare piece of land from the Otumborombonga community in the Okakarara constituency for the construction of a primary school.
The land was handed over on Friday to the region’s education director, Gerhard Ndafenongo, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture.
Ndafenongo said the school was requested by the community, as children currently walk long distances to attend schools in Okahandja, Waterberg and Okakarara.
“The new school has private donors, while the directorate will facilitate the process and provide teachers, books and furniture,” he said.
The project is funded by the German couple Thomas Stricker and Petra Knyrim, who partnered with the community to bring quality education and renewed hope to Otumborombonga and surrounding areas.
Valued at approximately N$2.2 million, the school will include four classrooms, a staffroom, a storage facility, sanitation facilities and a teachers’ office block. Once completed, it will cater to learners from pre-primary to Grade 7.
Otjozondjupa governor, John //Khamuseb, led the groundbreaking ceremony and emphasised the urgency of the project.
“Construction should start immediately, as the school will significantly ease pressure currently experienced by Waterberg and Okahandja primary schools,” he said.
Okakarara constituency councillor Uzeraiije Tjaverua, who presided over the event alongside the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, said the school will also help reduce high learner-to-teacher ratios affecting rural schools.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive learning environment. Bringing education closer to the community is key to empowering and improving future opportunities for our children,” he said.
The governor further proposed that the school be named after the late respected teacher, Adelheid Kahorongo, whose family donated the land.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Jeaneth Kuhanga expressed gratitude to the government for responding to the community’s long-standing request.
“We are really happy that our wishes and prayers have finally been answered because our children need this school the most,” she said.
Construction will be carried out by Palm Properties, with Phase 1 expected to commence immediately.
The school, located about 20 kilometres east of Okakarara, is expected to reduce travel costs, improve academic performance and ease access to education for the estimated 7 000 residents in about 90 homesteads in Otumborombonga and surrounding areas.
*Additional reporting: Nampa