Linea Dishena

Learners at Cuba Primary School (PS) in Windhoek will have to continue sharing facilities with Dr Abraham Iyambo PS for the foreseeable future, as the construction of their school is ongoing.

Located in the Havana informal settlement, Cuba PS was established in 2023 to alleviate overcrowding at the Dr Abraham Iyambo PS. 

The completion of the construction was initially slated for 2024.

Khomas director of education Paulus Nghikembua told Nampa that they expect the new school to be completed this year.

“We are quite positive that it will be completed soon. We expect it to be completed within this year, and for the learners to move in,” he said. He stated that the large learner population prompted the establishment of the new school, and the implementation of the double-shift system.  He added that it is uncommon to have more than 2 500 learners at one school. “Because of our need, we had to opt for two shifts – one in the morning, and one in the afternoon,” he said. Cuba PS currently accommodates 1 329 learners and 43 teachers. Dr Abraham Iyambo PS has 1 480 learners.

Learners of the Dr Abraham Iyambo PS have an early start at 06h45, with their classes ending at 12h00.  Cuba PS learners start their school day at 12h30, and end at 16h30.

Founding principal of Cuba PS Wilhelm Samuel described the circumstances as challenging. “Grades 1-3 learners are accommodated in containers and tent classes due to the limited space,” he said.

Despite the difficulties, the learners have shown resilience.  The school’s pass rate stands at 53.8%. Learners excelled in English, but faced challenges in mathematics. 

“Samuel said they are committed to improving outcomes through learning support programmes. “It is somehow a challenge, but these difficult circumstances should not be a reason for us not to perform. Cuba PS will still emerge as a winner,” the principal stated.

He noted that they have support initiatives in place to help struggling learners. Learners face other challenges, as many are from ultra-low-income households. The school-feeding programme caters to most of the learners.

“We are cognisant of our learners’ social conditions, and have taken on the responsibility of mitigating the challenges, such as through the provision of stationery and meals,” he stated. Approached for comment, education executive director Sanet Steenkamp said the double-shift system is necessary, given the high demand for education in the region.

“It is a common practice worldwide under such circumstances,” she remarked.

-Nampa