ONGWEDIVA – Learners at Niilo Taapopi Secondary School in Okahao, Omusati region, were left stranded, and some were seen hopelessly roaming around town on Sunday evening after the school’s principal allegedly denied them access to the hostel for failing to pay the N$150 hostel fee.

About 300 learners were turned away, which concerned some community members, as some learners, who live far from the school were scattered all over town in the cold at sunset, whereas others were at the local bars, wearing school uniforms.

Speaking to New Era under anonymity, a learner said they were told by the principal not to enter the hostel premises until they paid their dues.

“Only those who had N$150 could enter, and a majority of us who didn’t have money were told to go get it,” he said.

This learner lives in a village that is 10 kilometres from town.

He said he travelled back home around 17h00 to go collect the money, while others, who had already used up their transport fare, were left stranded.

“Some learners are from far places, such as Ruacana and Outapi. Some of us managed to travel back to our houses; others didn’t have a choice but to sleep at random places around the town,” he said.