GIBEON- Learners, staff and management at C //Oaseb Senior Secondary School are not sitting idling, hoping  for better days, but decided to tackle the bull by its horns in efforts to improve learners education and living conditions.

When New Era visited the education facility earlier this week it became evident that hard work always pays off.

Speaking to principal Desmond Kheibeb, he proudly said what they achieved so far produced the desired fruits. “Among our achievements is the fact that we were best academic performing AS-level school in the Hardap region during 2023 and 2024 whilst in addition being rated second best for the grade 11 results last year”, he explained to this publication.

He added that some of their former students are currently studying at Neudam agricultural college in the field of agricultural science. Kheibeb continued: “This was only possible after we introduced agricultutal science as subject in our curriculum whereby learners are getting practical/technical training right here on the hostel premises”.He elaboraed that learners are doing practical examinations at the end of year at the piggery, garden, orchard and fodder seedling fields available on the school grounds.

Turning the attention to nutrition for less fortunate hostel boarders he articulated that management are running a soup kitchen with meat from the piggery, vegetables from the garden and starch products sponsored by Namib Mills. In terms of challenges exprtienced the educator highlighted poor support from parents in educating learners, high levels of learner absentism from classes as well as a lack of teachers and financial support from the business fraternity and community to sustain operations successfully at the school and hostel. The school has a learner population of 658 of which 275 are staying in the hostels.

Kheibeb in conclusion called on support from parents, businesses and the broader community in their education journey to reach even greater heights.

-sklukowski@nepc.com.na