Lorato Khobetsi

The state of the art private school, established as part of the Roots Development Agricultural Project, officially opened its doors this week.  

Phase one of the Roots Gymnasium Private School was constructed at the value of N$26 million.

The school, which is expected to be completed in the next five years, currently consists of a block of classrooms for grades 1 to 7 learners, an office block, a state of the art science lab, a computer lab, a hostel as well as a soon-to-be-completed robotics lab and sports field.  

Speaking at the inauguration and official opening of the school, governor of the Hardap region Salomon April said Roots is different from other educational centres because learners are not only taught in theory but are also introduced to the practical side of the lessons.

“We want the best quality education for the learners at this school. We don’t want to train and educate our children only for Namibia; we want our children to compete with economies in the whole world,” he said. 

He further said, apart from bringing education by starting a school, the development has also provided possibilities for jobs for the locals, which helps to build the local economy, which contributes to the general overall GDP of the country. 

 “Everyone believes that it is the sole responsibility of the government to shoulder the developmental agenda of the country by itself. Roots in a bigger way with this initiative is also providing jobs for people who probably in normal circumstances are not in the proximity to be recruited for a better job,” said April. 

April added the project is an important model that needs to be replicated in all 14 regions.  

Phase two and phase three of the school will entail building separate pre-school classes, a block of high school classrooms, a school hall and specialisation classrooms, such as a kitchen and hall for vocational training in hospitality. 

The school was constructed in partnership with Capricorn Asset Management. According to the managing director of Roots Gymnasium Private School, Colette Rieckert, the school, which will cost approximately N$120 million once completed, will also offer specialised classes that will ensure learners will be able to sustain themselves once they have completed matric.

“We are really trying to make a difference in Namibia through education, because that is where the solution lies. If our kids are better educated then we have better people not only going to tertiary but also being better employers that can start good employment as from the end of grade 12,” she said.

*Lorato Khobetsi is an information officer in the MICT Hardap Regional Office.