ONGWEDIVA – Learners from Shingunguma Primary School must wade through water every day during the harsh winter to attend classes.

The school principal, Grace Musheko, said it is very risky for learners to cross water during winter, as they are exposed to illness.

“We have seen some learners shivering from the cold while in class after walking through water. We must often call their parents to take them to the hospital,” she said.

The school resumed classes on Monday this week. It was closed in April due to flooding.

Musheko stated that grade 7 learners are facing challenges because they did not write their exams earlier this month. 

They were stuck at home due to the floodwaters.

“It’s also a challenge because grade 7 learners across the country are currently applying for grade 8 next year,” she added.

As a result, the learners are unable to apply for grade 8, since they missed their exams.

Shingunguma Primary School is located in Eengava village in the Ohangwena region.

Three months ago, schools in the Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions were closed due to flooding.

When approached for comment, Ohangwena education director Isak Hamatwi said he would engage with the school principal to consider sending learners back home because the current situation is unsafe.

“We have to send learners back to their homes until the situation improves,” he said. Hamatwi stated that some schools have already resumed classes after the floods to catch up on missed academic activities.

He noted that learners from affected schools will not be going on the scheduled holiday that starts on 13 June to make up for lost time.

“So far, only Shingunguma Primary School is still experiencing challenges related to water,” he said.

Hamatwi urged teachers at previously closed schools to put in extra effort to ensure all backlogged academic activities are completed.

A parent of a grade 7 learner told New Era that their children will struggle for grade 8 admissions because they are now going on holiday.

“When they return from the holiday, the grade 8 application deadline would have passed. This is a big challenge,” the parent said.

She appealed to the education director to make arrangements for learners to be accommodated and taught at a school with a hostel during the holiday.

In response, Hamatwi said he would continue engaging the principal and education inspector to find an amicable solution. –fhamalwa@nepc.com.na