SWAKOPMUND – Unprivileged children from the Democratic Resettlement Community (DRC) in Swakopmund can now access quality education for only N$180 per month, thanks to a German donor who constructed a state-of-the-art private school in the community.

Werner Erkes funded more than N$20 million for the construction of the private school, in the heart of DRC.

The aim of the school initiative is to transform the lives of pupils from one of Namibia’s most impoverished communities.

Home to more than 30 000 people, the DRC settlement has long faced challenges of overcrowding, unemployment, and lack of basic services.

The Open Doors Education Centre (ODEC) is the product of the Tangeni Shilongo Namibia (TSN) Association, an organisation committed to improving education in the country.

The centre caters to children from pre-primary to Grade seven and also runs youth development programmes designed to equip unemployed youth with entrepreneurship and technical skills.

ODEC started, in 2014, when German volunteers Volkan Sazli, arrived to support the community and educational efforts in the informal settlement. The project has since evolved significantly, leading to the development of this private school and the associated youth programmes.

Education minister Anna Nghipondoka, in a statement delivered on her behalf, praised the initiative’s vision to ensure that every Namibian child, regardless of their financial background, can access quality education and a brighter future.

ODEC not only follows the Namibian curriculum but also offers additional subjects such as computer science, music, and languages like German and Afrikaans, equipping pupils with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Nghipondoka stressed the importance of early childhood education in reducing school dropout rates and improving educational outcomes. “Research consistently shows that children who receive a strong early learning foundation are more likely to succeed academically and in life. This school ensures that this critical stage is accessible to all,” she
said.

One of the school’s most remarkable features is its affordability. Despite offering high-quality education, parents only pay N$180 per month, which includes uniforms and meals, making it one of the most affordable private schools in Namibia.

 This low-fee structure was deliberately set to ensure families in the DRC settlement can send their children to school.

Erongo governor Neville Andre, who also attended the ceremony, emphasised the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.

“These children come from backgrounds where some have no fathers, and others face gender-based violence daily. But this school offers them a chance to change their future,” Andre said.

The German ambassador to Namibia, Herbert Beck, who has been closely involved with the project, pointed out that education is a cornerstone of building a nation.

“It empowers young people with the knowledge and skills to break the cycle of poverty, contribute to society, and create a better future,” he said.

Beck commended Erkes for his generous donation, which made the construction of the school possible, and praised the collaboration between Namibian and German partners.