KEETMANSHOOP – Swapo parliamentarian Lucia Witbooi says education remains the greatest equaliser and a learning process in which knowledge, skills and habits are passed on within generations. 

“When we consider the value of education in our daily lives, we must acknowledge that it enhances our personal lives and aids in the smooth running of society by safeguarding everyone, including ourselves from dangerous and unexpected events,” Witbooi, who was handing over a donation of school bags, uniforms and sanitary pads at Minna Sachs Primary School at Keetmanshoop, said yesterday.

Witbooi said education is critical for both personal growth and the socio-economic development of any community and country at large. 

“Education also empowers and inspires our minds to create positive thoughts and ideas, as well as to expand our knowledge on a daily basis,” she said. 

In a speech read on his behalf, //Kharas education director
//Awebahe //Hoeseb said a child whose safety, wellbeing and or development is at significant risk due to inadequate care, protection or access to essential services, is a vulnerable child. 

“Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) are thus also entitled to access formal basic education to gain the requisite functional literacy and numeracy, knowledge, abilities and skills to be able to be absorbed in the employment sector or to create employment and lead meaningful quality lives,” he said. 

A total of 1 000 schoolbags were donated by the Office of First Lady Monica Geingos, which will be equally distributed to schools in the //Kharas and Hardap regions, whilst school wear was donated by the Swapo Party Women’s Council in //Kharas.