The JP Brandt Primary School is situated at Utuseb settlement, about 60 kilometres from Walvis Bay.

As a result of the challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, not all the learners could be accommodated at the school – and valuable education time was lost.

The project to increase the accommodation capability at the school was initiated by Support Ulm e.V., a German non-profit organisation.

They have organised various fundraising activities throughout the years to re-invest into various projects benefiting the Namibian population.

Earlier this year, the Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust received a request to identify a suitable education-related project in the country.

Esther Mbathera, one of the trustees of the OOCT, identified this project, and approval was granted to continue.

With the support of other partners – Ohorongo Cement, Neo Paints Namibia and Coastal Precast and Paving (CPP), the project was completed and handed over on 20 September 2021.

The handover was attended by Hon Councillor Deriou Benson on behalf of Hon Councilor Florian Donatus.

During his address, the Hon Councillor also thanked Prof. Dr Maier of Support e.V. for his continued involvement in supporting the albinism community in Namibia.

The total value of the project is N$330 000 – and the building and renovation were done by Conmainren Building Development Projects.

The upgrade includes new ablution facilities for boys and girls as well as the conversion of old classrooms into sleeping halls.

This project is a testament to the value that can be achieved when different parties put hands together for a common goal – in this case, getting the learners back to school.