Dalene Kooper
The Frankie Fredericks Foundation last week donated full school uniforms to 100 learners across various schools in Namibia, as part of its ‘Back-to-School’ initiative.
The programme aims to ensure that a lack of proper school uniform does not become a barrier to education, particularly for vulnerable learners.
To identify beneficiaries, the Foundation worked closely with Life Skills teachers, who selected ten learners from each participating school.
Speaking to New Era, Life Skills teacher Aino Ihalwa from Nangombe Combined School in Okahao said the donation will have a meaningful impact on learners.
“The provision of full school uniforms, including school bags, will encourage learners to take their schoolwork more seriously,” she said.
“It also reassures them that there are people who care about their wellbeing, regardless of their background,” said the teacher.
Ihalwa added that the uniforms will boost learners’ self-confidence and help reduce absenteeism caused by a lack of proper attire.
“They will now feel more presentable and confident attending school,” she noted.
She further praised the foundation for including their school in the initiative, describing Frankie Fredericks as a role model.
“As an Olympic silver medallist, he inspires our learners to strive for greater achievements in life,” she said. The foundation’s public relations officer, Suama Shingenge said the initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on families while promoting dignity among learners.
“By providing school uniforms, we enable learners to attend school with confidence and focus on their education and personal development,” she said. Shingenge added the initiative targeted towns where Fredericks has been honoured with streets named after him, including Outjo, Okahao and Windhoek.
In total, the Foundation supported two schools in each town, namely Outjo Project Primary School and Maarssen Primary School in Outjo, Nangombe Combined School and Okahao Primary School in Okahao, and St Andrews Primary School as well as Concordia College in Windhoek.
The Foundation invested N$100 000 into the 2026 Back-to-School initiative.