By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK Jacob Morenga Secondary School in Katutura on Monday received high praise from the Japanese government for its consistency in providing quality education to learners from the marginalized communities in the country. The Deputy Japanese Ambassador in Pretoria, Shinichi Ito, was officially launching a computer laboratory at the school. The building was financed by the Japanese government to the tune of N$170ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 000. “I am proud of the Japanese government’s involvement in this educational project of a school, which has embarked on an education programme that includes special needs education. “Since its inception, this school has provided educational opportunities to those who were historically underprivileged. That we applaud,” said Ito. The event was also attended by the Minister of Education, Nangolo Mbumba, a number of Katutura school principals and parents. “This is the second time that the Japanese government is supporting this school through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme, through which many communities in Namibia and neighbouring African countries have benefited. Since 1994, the Japanese government has prioritized supporting communities in the areas of education, health and water supply. “One can say that the enhancement of basic education is the key factor in promoting economic and social education,” Ito said. He also applauded efforts by the school staff to understand the importance of learners acquiring IT skills. “The staff’s focus on ensuring that school graduates are equipped with the necessary day-to-day skills is a positive step in promoting employment and the eradication of poverty. It is now up to the teachers and the learners to use the laboratory effectively so that the impact thereof may be visible in their teaching and learning,” the Japanese representative said. Minister Mbumba encouraged learners in a short congratulatory message to make full use of the opportunities offered by the new laboratory at the school. School principal, Otillie Abrahams, formally thanked the Japanese government for the financial support extended to the school for the erection of the much-needed laboratory.