OSHAKATI – Learners and teachers from Evululuko Secondary School have made the decision to meet the government halfway and address the lack of school furniture by repairing 310 tables and 170 chairs. 

The school in Oshakati has 535 learners.

The dedicated teacher, Petrus Protasius, initiated the project in 2025 and, in his free time, used his own tools to repair broken chairs with the principal’s support for his idea.

In an interview with Youth Corner yesterday, the school principal, Fillemon Lungameni, said repairs are usually carried out alongside learners, with more teachers having joined the initiative.

“The number of learners has increased this year. Therefore, we decided to put more effort into fixing chairs and tables,” he said.

He added that the aim is to ensure that no learner sits on the floor.

“This is also the best way for learners to acquire skills and knowledge in carpentry-related work. Some learners are talented and have a deep desire to use their skills,” said Lungameni. 

The principal clarified that learners are not paid for their work; however, they participate happily. 

He mentioned that the initiative has fostered a feeling of ownership over the chairs and tables among the learners.

“Most schools have broken chairs and tables on their premises, yet they are always asking the government through the ministry to provide new ones. This can become something of the past. It’s important to buy equipment and repair those chairs and tables,” he said.

However, Lungameni highlighted challenges such as inadequate equipment and materials for repairing furniture.

“We borrow equipment from Mr. Protasius, who is always dedicated to assisting the school,” he added. He stated that these challenges do not deter them from continuing the repairs, as they are striving to ensure that each learner has their own chair and table.

“Tables and chairs are very useful for learners because they help them feel comfortable in class, sit properly, and write easily,” he said. 

Lungameni encouraged other schools to visit Evululuko Secondary School to observe the project and seek guidance.

He added that this initiative can help other schools in Namibia address the challenge of insufficient chairs and tables.

“It’s only not our school, yet we have many schools with broken chairs and tables that can be fixed and used,” he said.

Lungameni urged schools to refrain from discarding broken chairs and tables, highlighting that there is always a backup plan to repair them.

He noted that this approach can also help the government save money, which can be redirected to other important activities.

-fhamalwa@nepc.com.na