Hilma Nalupe

At the beginning of September 2025, nine final-year law students from the University of Namibia (Unam), operating under the name Firm Aristotle, donated a CCTV camera to Tobias Hainyeko Primary School in Katutura. This was part of their Legal Aid community impact project.

The initiative forms part of the Faculty of Law’s community outreach requirement, which encourages students to apply their legal knowledge to serve and uplift communities in need. 

The group’s project focused on promoting child safety and protection through a combination of education and practical support.

As part of their intervention, the students held an engagement session with about 150 learners from grades 2-4.

They addressed topics such as children’s rights, personal safety and identifying trusted adults to seek help from in unsafe situations.

Members of the Namibian Police and the Children’s Parliament were invited to help clarify law enforcement and reinforce the message that children’s voices are valuable and must be heard.

Firm Aristotle member Marvella Johannes said the team aimed to make a lasting contribution that extends beyond a single school visit.

“We saw it most essential to reach the younger population, as they are more vulnerable. Stationery, posters and speeches are important, but they hold limited relevance without practical reinforcement. CCTV allows for a more permanent and active application of child safety. It’s not just about awareness, but protection,” she said.

Johannes added that including the Children’s Parliament was a deliberate decision to promote empowerment.

“We wanted to affirm that child safety isn’t about weakness, but about empowerment. By involving the Children’s Parliament, we reminded learners that their voices matter, that their dreams are valid, and that they too have the power to shape their futures,” she said.

The CCTV, which operates using Wi-Fi, offers a view of the school’s front gate.

It enables teachers to monitor activity directly from their mobile phones. 

This includes tracking vehicle movements, recording number plates and identifying anyone entering or leaving the school grounds.

Principal of the school Philip Hinanamunhu commended the students for their thoughtful contribution.

“We really appreciate the contribution towards the security of the Namibian child. The CCTV is placed at the gate to monitor movements and ensure our learners’ safety. The only challenge now is the internet. When the connection is weak, the camera goes offline,” he said.

The students’ initiative not only strengthens the school’s safety measures but also highlights the role of young professionals in advancing social responsibility and community well-being.

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com