Elago Shipanga

The Grootfontein Correctional Facility’s industrial workshop is set to become a major furniture manufacturing centre, supplying government ministries and agencies. 

This plan was announced by Deputy Commissioner General of the Namibia Correctional Services (NSC), Sam Shaalulange, at a handover ceremony of repaired furniture to Kalenga English Primary School in Grootfontein on Friday.

Shaalulange, who heads the correctional operations department, stated that the Grootfontein Correctional Facility has been identified and strengthened to serve as a central carpentry and joinery workshop where quality furniture will be produced. 

“This centre will produce furniture for the Namibian Correctional Service, government offices, ministries and agencies, as well as other public and private organisations and individuals who need these services. It is for this reason that, in a few days, seven large carpentry and joinery machines including a sawmill to process large logs to lumber, will be delivered to this facility. 

Additionally, several skilled correctional officers and inmates will be transferred to the Grootfontein Correctional Facility to enhance its capacity to manufacture on a large scale,” he said.

The Namibia Correctional Services operates industrial workshops at seven of its facilities across the country, training inmates in various trades such as bricklaying and plastering, carpentry and joinery, welding and metal fabrication, upholstery, auto mechanics, panelbeating, and spraypainting. Shaalulange mentioned that these training programmes are designed to equip inmates with skills, and prepare them for reintegration into society upon release.

Over 500 chairs and 30 desks from Kalenga English Primary School were repaired by inmates at the Grootfontein Correctional Facility. In his acceptance speech, read on his behalf, Grootfontein circuit education inspector Markus Munengu, praised the Namibia Correctional Services for repairing the school’s broken furniture at no cost, adding that it significantly enhances the quality of teaching and learning at the school. 

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture’s policy on national standards and performance indicators.

“Key Area 7 of the policy addresses the provision of resources for the school and hostel, including physical resources such as classrooms, offices, chairs, and desks. The demand for these critical resources has surpassed the available resources allocated by government. It is important for stakeholders to participate and provide the necessary support to meet the needs of educating Namibian children and move our nation forward. As a regional directorate in general and the Grootfontein circuit in particular, and on behalf of Kalenga English Primary School, we are thankful for this assistance,” he said.

Munengu added that now that the furniture is fit for use, the school will ensure it is put to good use and guarded against vandalism and destruction.

* Elago Shipanga is an information officer for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Otjozondjupa region.