Kaviveterue Virere

Omaheke – The Donkerbos Primary School in the Otjombinde constituency became the latest beneficiary of the MTC and Motor Vehicle Accident Fund rural schools project being furnished with a block of four classrooms and a staff office valued at N$2.4 million.

Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate, who officially inaugurated the new facilities, commended MTC and its partner, the MVA Fund, for their ongoing support of education in rural areas. 

He stressed that the donation represents hope, inclusion and opportunity for the children of Omaheke, going beyond merely providing physical infrastructure.

“By constructing classrooms, you are not just providing walls and roofs. You are generating opportunities, influencing futures and planting the seeds of prosperity,” Nganate said.

He added that, while national projects often overlook rural and isolated areas, initiatives such as this demonstrate that Omaheke is not forgotten. 

“Our children deserve the same opportunities as those in any other town or city, as we are part of the national fabric,” he emphasised.

Launched in 2019, the MTC Rural Schools Project aims to address Namibia’s critical classroom shortage, particularly in underserved communities. 

Since its inception, the initiative has built 53 classrooms across regions, including Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Oshana, Hardap, Karas, Kavango West, Kavango East, Zambezi, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Omaheke.Tim Ekandjo, chief brand, marketing, communications and sustainability officer at MTC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to providing equal access to quality learning environments nationwide. 

“Since 2019, we have built a total of 53 classrooms across various regions. Before year-end, we will also be handing over classrooms to a school in the Omusati region,” he said.

MVA Fund chief corporate affairs John Haufiku said their involvement addresses the urgent need to improve learning conditions for Namibian children. 

“We are aware of the critical shortage of classrooms. To support the education ministry and ensure children learn in a respectful and comfortable environment, we have purposefully joined the MTC Rural Schools Project,” he said.

The new facilities at Donkerbos Primary School are particularly transformative. 

Previously, overcrowded classrooms and a lack of basic amenities posed daily challenges for teaching and learning. 

Teachers had no staff room, and the learning environment was far from ideal.

Principal Marah Patience expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the teachers, staff and learners. 

“We cannot express how thankful we are. This project has had a significant impact on teaching and learning, particularly in rural areas. The lack of classrooms and a staff room was a serious challenge, but thanks to MTC and the MVA Fund, that is now history,” she said.Nganate said initiatives like this provide more than immediate relief.

 They reinforce that rural Namibia remains integral to the country’s development.

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