WALVIS BAY – The business community, coastal residents and former learners of Kuisebmond Secondary School raised N$2.5 million at a gala dinner on Saturday night towards the completion of the school hall.

The project has been in the pipeline since 2012 but was delayed by financial constraints.

Speaking during the fundraiser, Prime Minister Elia Ngurare said the gathering demonstrated the value Namibians attach to education and the future of the country’s children.

“We have left everything to come to Kuisebmond Secondary School because of the value of education and the love of the Namibian child,” he said.

Ngurare said he had earlier visited the school to assess the progress of the hall and the work that still needs to be done.

According to him, the project might look insignificant to some, but its importance for learners, parents and teachers can never be overemphasised.

“This project is critical to providing learners with a conducive and dignified learning environment. A school hall is essential for meetings, assemblies and examinations. It is indeed a critical need, especially under coastal conditions,” he said.

“The most difficult step in life is the first step, and you have taken that step,” Ngurare remarked.

He applauded the organising committee and stakeholders who have been pushing the project forward for over a decade for not giving up despite financial constraints.

He said, since independence in 1990, the government has deliberately prioritised education and health in its budget allocations. 

He noted that this was a conscious decision by the country’s leadership to invest in human capital.

“Increased access to education comes with responsibility. With opportunity comes responsibility. Students must take their education seriously and respect their teachers. Discipline must remain your anchor,” he appealed.

Pledges 

The school needs at least N$6 million for the project, which will also see the construction of additional classrooms linked to the school hall.

Currently, learners and parents are forced to host assemblies and meetings outside, which proves to be a challenge due to the coastal weather conditions.

As a result, a committee was established to spearhead fundraising activities along with the school board. This included initiatives such as raffle ticket sales to raise much-needed funds.

Manica set the pledging activities in motion during the gala dinner by committing N$600 000 towards the school hall.  Namport followed with a pledge of N$600 050.

Erongo Red invested N$600 000 over the past two years, while Namibia Fish Consumption pledged N$50 000 annually until the completion of the school hall.

The commercial and economic sector contributed N$60 000.  Terminal Investment pledged N$78 000 towards paintwork for the school hall.

Swan Assembly Trust pledged N$700 000, while the Knowledge Katti Foundation pledged N$100 00 Roula Savva assisted the school with décor and the venue for the gala dinner. Erongo governor Natalia //Goagoses indicated that her office will coordinate with the regional industry to raise the remaining balance needed to complete the school hall. -edeklerk@nepc.com.na