EPEMBE - For a long time, the poor performance of learners, especially in rural areas, has been a topical issue, compounded by the lack of facilities such as classrooms and dormitories. 

The situation at the Ondulundiya Combined School in the Ohangwena region was no different, not until telecommunications giant MTC and the Motor-Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) chipped in with a donation of a classroom block. 

The donation was done this week through the MTC Rural School Project, in partnership with MVA Fund, to the tune of N$1.2 million.

The school has over 300 learners from pre-primary up to grade 9. 

Prior to the intervention, the pupils were taught under unfriendly conditions, especially during the rainy season, sitting in the mud while the rain would pour on them through leaking roofs.

Most learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and walk long distances to school. 

Despite many challenges facing the school such as a poor network and terrible roads, Ondulundiya is one of the highest-ranked academic schools in Ohangwena with an excellent academic, leadership and sports culture.

Speaking during the handover, MTC’s chief human capital and corporate affairs officer Tim Ekandjo said their collaboration with the MVA Fund is a response to a clarion call which the entities answered to bolster efforts of ensuring every Namibian child receives dignified education.

“The government surely cannot do it alone. And while these challenges are greater than any government, the country’s challenges can never be greater than the combined efforts of the citizens,” he reasoned.

Ekandjo thus called for a national, patriotic outlook to Namibian challenges. 

“If we are going to expect teachers to perform miracles, teaching learners in the sun and under trees, we cannot expect the best results. We must become more involved in our education system, and not just sit and point fingers”, he stressed.

On the MVA Fund’s behalf, the senior accident and injury prevention division’s manager Ruben Uupindi said education is close to their hearts. 

“The education sector is close to our hearts, as we understand the value of good quality education and the importance of providing the same to all children in Namibia,” he added. 

He stressed that improving education standards in rural areas can have a big impact on the creation of employment and other opportunities.

Like the duo, deputy education minister Faustina Caley stressed that the Namibian child deserves quality education, provided under secure and conducive teaching and learning environments.  

She lauded the partnership between MTC and the MVA Fund, as it drives towards the realisation of that vision.

“Education is one of the most significant long-term investments a country can make. It lays the foundation for a better quality of life, great employment opportunities, and a better-skilled workforce. I have it on good authority that to date, the MTC Rural Schools Project has made a significant contribution in a short space of time throughout Namibia,” observed Caley. 

All in all, the education ministry needs a cumulative N$1.8 billion to clear its classrooms backlog. 

This translates to a herculean task of constructing 5 169 classrooms across the country to accommodate both primary and secondary pupils. 

- kaapanda@nepc.com.na