Zebaldt Ngaruka

OMITARA – Otjivero Combined School (CS) resumed normal teaching yesterday following the successful removal of wasps at the school in the Omitara settlement of Omaheke region.

Wasps are winged insects, closely related to bees and ants.

The school was severely affected by a wasp infestation on the eve of the school reopening last week, resulting in disrupted teaching activities. As a temporary measure, learners were dismissed at 11h00 each day.

Speaking to New Era on Sunday, school principal Paul Nicky Nunuheb confirmed that the situation has been resolved and normal classes will resume.

“We are back to normal after hectic days caused by the wasp disturbance. I assure parents, learners, staff and teachers that the struggle is over,” he said

Nunuheb further assured parents that teachers would sacrifice extra time to cover the syllabus and make up for lost teaching hours.

“We are committed to bringing our learners back on par. We are ready to put in the extra time,” he said.

He added that the spraying team sent by the ministry of education went the extra mile by fumigating teachers’ houses and surrounding trees near the school.

“Their work is commendable, and we are now ready to continue with our duties,” the principal said.

Nunuheb also expressed appreciation to the Omaheke Directorate of Education.

Special thanks were extended to chief building inspector Sara Amwelu, the Namibia National Students’ Organisation (Nanso) leadership, and media houses for promptly highlighting the situation. The school board, management, non-teaching staff at both the hostel and school, parents and learners were also applauded for their support during the difficult period.

Nearly 100 learners were stung, while more than 10 teachers and an undisclosed number of parents and staff members were also attacked by the wasps.

Teacher Lizietine Njamba said she was relieved by the news, having been among those stung.

“This is a relief. I was stung several times, possibly because of my height as I am one of the tallest at the school. It was not easy, but now we can continue giving education to the Namibian child,” she said.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com