UTUSEB – A collective effort by various stakeholders will now allow all learners of JP Brand in Utuseb to attend school simultaneously.

The Ohorongo Community Trust, in partnership with a German good Samaritan professor Henz Maier, CCP and Suremix as well as Neo Paints constructed ablution facilities and upgraded old storage rooms into sleeping quarters to the tune of N$$320 000.

According to the school principal Anna-Maldrid Josti, the assistance came after freelance journalist, Ester Mbathera, who was a trustee, highlighted their plight to the donors. Josti says Covid-19 changed their situation. She says the hostel overall accommodated 319 learners, however, during Covid-19, it could only accommodate about 180 learners.

“This is why we were unable to welcome all our learners back to school at the beginning of the year as they all stay at the hostel, due to the fact that we are located at least 70 kilometres from Walvis Bay. Everyone suffered as one group had to come to school for six months and then make way for the second group.”

She added that the children suffered the most, as school is a second home to them. 

“A safe and conducive environment is of utmost importance, as it helps children with personal development. Our generous donors have made it a reality that all our learners can come back to school and be taught at once,” she said.

The administrator of the Ohorongo Trust, Rudolf Coetzee explained that at least 60% of the funds used for the project came from a group of doctors who are always keen on assisting projects in Namibia.

He then appealed to the learners to look after their school so that they can preserve it for those who will attend after them.

Walvis Bay Urban constituency councillor, Deriou Benson thanked all the donors for their kind gesture while highlighting the importance of school infrastructure development.

“Education is a very critical aspect and one cannot overemphasise the importance of education for our future generation.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na