Bernard Nyambe
The NamPower Foundation last week donated over 520 bunk beds with mattresses to the ministry of education. The foundation spent N$1 076 400 on the beds and another N$375 877.50 on 655 mattresses. The donation will be distributed to 25 schools across all 14 regions to accommodate 1 040 children in government schools.
Minister of education Anna Nghipondoka said not all children live within walking distance to the school and they rely on schools to provide them with shelter.
“Hostels have been established to help increase access to education by bridging the gap that exists between our communities. They are home away from home, where learners are provided with a sustainable learning environment and care to ensure they have the opportunity to access quality education,” she said.
She further emphasised the need for more donations towards the education sector, which has competing priorities. “The ministry alone does not have sufficient resources at hand to meet the needs of our learners at all times; it is, therefore, important for other sectors to come on board,” said Nghipondoka.
NamPower managing director Simson Haulofu, in a speech read on his behalf by NamPower Foundation advisory committee member Simeon Amukete, said he hopes this donation will better the physical and psychological wellbeing of the learners and they will be able to focus on their studies.
“Our donation aims to assist in the compliance with the Covid-19 set rules and regulations and promote healthy, conducive and hospitable living conditions,” said Haulofu. In addition, NamPower donated 6 000 fabric face masks to learners at various schools.
Haulofu added that NamPower commits to assist as far as possible in order to remedy all equally urgent and crucial challenges as well as to complement the efforts of other stakeholders.
Regional Director of the Omaheke education circuit Pecka Semba welcomed the donations and indicated that the recipients will no longer sleep on the floor. “We hope and trust that the recipients of all these beds and mattresses are going to keep them safe for many years to come,” he said. Beneficiaries across the country are expected to receive the donated items in the coming weeks.