Zebaldt Ngaruka
In their efforts to contribute to the education of the Namibian child, the Ongombe Farmer’s Association (OFA) recently provided N$ 25 000 to Okamatapati Combined School in the Otjozondjupa region.
The donated money will be used for purchasing stationery for grades zero up to nine learners for the 2025 academic year.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, OFA chairperson Tuvingo Katjitundu said the farmers association’s roles in education must be noticed at all levels.
“Our associations are formed by parents, and parents have learners who are going to be the leaders of tomorrow. We must act and reduce pressure from parents and help them in many aspects, such as the education of the Namibian child,” he said.
The donated money, is part of the commission deductions from cattle after being sold at auction places.
“We are taking from the community, and thus it is very important to bring back as well. That is why we urge our farmers to sell at our auctions instead of taking their livestock to other places where it benefits those areas only,” he said.
Katjitundu added that OFA is aware of neighbouring farmers who also sell at their auctions, and plans are there to benefit them all.
He also called on parents to be closer to their children when in school.
“They must be the motivators of education, teach their children discipline, and warn them of unwanted activities at schools. The parents must do away with division within society, and preach unity,” Katjitundu urged.
Receiving the donation, Okamatapati CS principal Benfried Uendjipa Kaapehi said education is expensive and all stakeholders must play their part.
“The government needs support, and it cannot solve all the needs. I am very happy for ‘Ongombe’ to come on board and assist the education of the Namibian child,” he said.
He added that the good gesture shown by the OFA will lighten the future of the children, which is a good investment.
“They are shaping the bright future of the Namibian child, as the children are the future leaders of our country,” said the principal.
Also speaking at the occasion was Okamatapati traditional leader Chief Zebulon Tjiuoro, who complimented the farmers’ association for their contributions to the school.
“I am one of the founders of OFA and witnessing the work they are doing is an honour. We shaped the future, and investing in education is a welcomed gesture,” he said.
Tjiuoro urged other farmers’ associations in the area to come on board, and support the community.
“We must do away with the tendency of relying for everything on government. We must not insult the government when we are hungry, but we must have the knowledge to sustain ourselves when hungry,” said the chief.
This is not the first time OFA has donated to the school; it pledged N$25 000 and N$ 10 000 previously.