Ibbu – Ibbu Combined School has become the latest beneficiary of the social responsibilities programme of Chinese companies based in Namibia.
This after Huawei, a Chinese ICT company that has penetrated the Namibian ICT market since 2005 donated four laptop computers valued at over N$20 000 to the school.
Last month Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC), a Chinese state owned construction company donated school items to all primary schools in the Zambezi Region.
The donation was prompted by the excellent performance of the school during last year’s Grade 10 examination results.
Ibbu Combined School was the overall best performer in Grade 10 examination results after attaining a 100 percent pass rate and earning itself the coveted floating trophy and governor’s floating trophy for best performance.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Xin Shunkang, was contented with the conduct of locally based Chinese companies stating that it cements strong ties that already exist between the two countries. “A few months ago another Chinese company, MCC made a donation here in this region. These donations showcase the close relationship between Namibia and China. I am very pleased that Chinese companies in Namibia show a strong social responsibility,” underscored Xin.
He further stated China was committed to ICT development in Namibia as can be attested by the continuous training of Namibian experts in the ICT field in China.
“The commitment has been made that Huawei will support ICT development in Namibia. It has invited over 20 telecom experts in Namibia to go to China for three weeks training. This is a good opportunity for the Namibian telecom industry.”
He also used the opportunity to announce the 25th anniversary celebrations of Namibia’s diplomatic relationship with China in Windhoek next year.
“China established its diplomatic ties with Namibia just on the second day after Namibia’s independence. 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relationship. The Chinese embassy will organise activities to celebrate the friendship by inviting leaders from both countries,” said Xin.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Richard Kamwi, who facilitated the donation upon learning of the school’s excellent performance noted the donation served as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement to the teachers and learners at the school.
“When I came to know of the performance of the school, I thought there’s a need for us to come and support the school. There is quality leadership at this school and we are here to thank the principal, teachers, the entire staff, learners and parents,” stated Kamwi.
Kamwi who complemented the donation with a printer stressed the importance of education encouraging learners to become the driving force behind Namibia’s Vision 2030.
“It’s only when we are educated that our dreams, come 2030, would be realised. I understand that electricity at the school only came now but yet learners attained 100 percent. This is what we want. Education is the greatest equaliser,” he said.
University of Namibia Katima Mulilo Campus Director Dr Bennet Kangumu echoed similar sentiments adding yjay the lack of resources should not be used a scapegoat for poor performance of learners.
“A lot of urban schools complain of a lot of things as the reason for poor performance, but here you are as a testimony that no matter where you find yourself, if you work hard you will manage. Performance should not only be a one-off, you must be able to sustain it,” he stated.
Ibbu Combined School has over 200 learners.
By George Sanzila