WINDHOEK – The special advisor to Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob on the welfare of marginalized communities, Royal /Ui/o/oo, says San children are often emotionally tormented, stereotyped and ridiculed at school for their so-called unusual physical features. This discrimination and discouragement often lead to poor performance and them dropping out of school.
/Ui/o/oo was speaking at the donation of school items, soft drinks and milk products by the Ohlthaver and List (O&L) Group of Companies to the prime minister’s ‘Back to School and Stay at School’ campaign last Friday. The campaign is part of the prime minister’s San Development Programme that aims to keep learners from vulnerable and marginalized groups in school so that they can receive good education like other children in the country. The company donation is valued at N$7 300.
/Ui/o/oo commended the private sector for showing interest in the campaign, saying it will go a long way in helping children from the marginalized communities to remain in school. The prime minister’s office has been conducting live music shows and motivational talks at various rural schools with learners from marginalized communities.
/Ui/o/oo says most learners at such schools do not have educational materials and often go to school on empty stomachs. He believes the donation would help alleviate problems experienced by the San and boost school attendance among them. The campaign to encourage learners to remain in school officially began on Saturday and will run until the first week of October.
Deputy Prime Minister Marco Hausiku will launch the campaign officially at Ekoka Primary School in the Ohangwena Region today.
By Tonateni Shidhudhu