ONAWA – The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare officially inaugurated the first-ever early childhood development centre (ECD) at Onawa location in Oshakati on Friday.

The centre was constructed with funding from Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) and Development Workshop Namibia (DWN) at a cost of N$800 000.

In a speech read on his behalf at the event, the ministry’s acting executive director Nichlas Mbingeneeko, said the inauguration of the MTC Onawa model early childhood development centre will provide essential services to local children.

He said the centre will also serve as a hub for various activities such as educator training, parental workshops and counselling, thereby strengthening early childhood development in the area.

“Additionally, the centre will provide space for community meetings and ministerial services, including birth registration outreach initiatives,” he said.

The ministry, as the custodian of ECD, in the country, is pleased with the concerted efforts of stakeholders who have the well-being of the children’s foundation at heart, he said.

Mbingeneeko appealed to the residents of Onawa to take good care of their young children who are Namibia’s future, and ensure they are enrolled on the programme.

Speaking at the same occasion, MTC spokesperson John Ekongo, said as part of MTC’s commitment, they aim to construct classrooms for at least two schools each year in the country through the MTC rural schools project.

He said since its establishment in 2019, the project had so far constructed 49 classrooms, with Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Oshana, Hardap, //Kharas, Kavango West, Zambezi, Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, having benefited from the initiative.
DWN country director, Jessica Brown said children who attend these centres learn how to interact with others, share and develop healthy relationships, noting that children who attend high-quality ECDs are more likely to graduate from high school, tertiary level and have successful careers.
-Nampa