Lylie Joel
RUNDU – Kavango East education director Christine Shilima says they need more time to assess the situation of the 13-year-old boy who had dropped out of school and recently travelled to the memorial service of Founding President Sam Nujoma alone.
Shilima pledged during the regional memorial service for Nujoma in Rundu on Saturday that John Kakuwa would be enrolled in a school near his home in Divundu by Monday.
However, when contacted for an update on that day, she stated that additional factors needed to be considered before proceeding with his school placement.
“We need to assess the situation to determine the most suitable nearby school, confirm the last grade he completed, understand why he dropped out, and decide on the appropriate grade for him to resume his education,” Shilima said.
The assessment is expected to be completed by Friday.
Kakuwa’s story gained public attention after he hitch-hiked from Divundu to Rundu to attend the State memorial service for Nujoma.
Kavango East Regional Council chairperson Damian Maghambayi said the boy slept at the Rundu Engen service station on Thursday night before being taken to the police station, where he was later reunited with his grandmother, who had also travelled to Rundu for the memorial.
Kakuwa had volunteered to wash a delivery vehicle in exchange for transportation to Rundu, demonstrating his commitment to paying his last respects to Nujoma, despite lacking accommodation or familiarity with the town.
Following the viral video of Kakuwa’s journey, mourners at the event pledged N$31 500 to support his return to school.
He shared that he is an orphan living with his grandmother, and had been forced to drop out of school due to financial struggles.
“I want to thank everyone who showed me love, and those who contributed money for my education and well-being. I never thought I would have the opportunity to go back to school,” he said in expressing his gratitude.
Authorities remain committed to ensuring that the boy receives the necessary support, and a final decision regarding his school placement is expected by the end of the week.
-Nampa