Hilma Nakanduungile 

EENHANA - The government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) has constructed two new permanent classroom blocks for David Shingo and Egambo combined schools in the Ohangwena region, worth about N$1.9
million. 

Each school benefited from a block of four classrooms and a storeroom.  Speaking at the handover ceremony on Tuesday, the ambassador of Japan to Namibia Hideaki Harada says education is one of the priority areas for the government of Japan’s GGP in Namibia. 

He said, so far, a total 46 schools in Namibia benefited from the GGP scheme since its inception, with more scheduled to benefit. 

“Supporting learners through inclusive quality education is the best way forward to secure a prosperous Namibian future. I believe these permanent classrooms in both schools will enable learners to study in safer and healthier environment, free from asbestos or from temporary structure made from corrugated iron sheets and mud,” said Harada. 

In a speech read on her behalf, education minister Anna Nghipondoka commended the Japanese government for the good gesture. 

“The donated infrastructure will address the urgent need to physical distancing for effective teaching and learning to take place amid Covid-19 pandemic,” said Nghipondoka. 

Moreover, she applauded teachers nationwide for doing a great job in ensuring the delivery of quality inclusive education to all learners, irrespective of the ongoing pandemic.