Okankolo
Some learners in various parts of the Oshikoto Region still attend classes under trees and those that are somehow fortunate are being taught in makeshift classrooms.
There are at least over 500 makeshift classrooms in the region, a situation that forces some schools to suspend lessons during the rainy season.
Selma Edimbi, a principal at one of the schools, Ashihaya Primary, situated some 80 kilometres north-east of Omuthiya, described the situation as unbearable as sometimes room temperature rises to an extent that learning becomes unconducive.
“I am however grateful that government has aided us in building four temporary classrooms as compared to two years ago when the school was established when we taught under makeshifts constructed by the community,” said Edimbi.
The dire state in the region was confirmed by Onyulaye circuit education inspector Abraham Nafine, he saying that despite the common challenges hampering the smooth learning environment, the region still remains one of the best performing in both Grade 10 and 12 results.
“Lack of infrastructure has been an issue for a long time now, including water which has been the major challenge especially deep in the rural areas where in some instances water is saline, although in some schools we deliver water through the ministry of agriculture’s rural and water supply department,” stressed Nafine.
He described government efforts as being helpful in transforming and enhancing the educational sector, arguing that government alone cannot manage to undertake all projects at once, hence with time everything will be in order.
“Government is trying its best in improving the system but let’s look at the budget and magnitude of projects that are being spearheaded at a time. This will definitely show you that government is doing something, but we as the community as well should work hand in hand to assist in whatever way we can as government alone will not manage to satisfy everyone at the same time,” said Nafine, noting that development is moderately taking place in the region as compared to when there is zero progress.
Onyulaye circuit has 25 schools with only one secondary and 15 combined schools with a workforce of 250 teachers.
Nafine applauded teachers for a high morale in executing their duties well and producing good results irrespective of the harsh conditions under which they operate, urging them to continue doing so for the well-being of learners and the nation at large.