AROAB - //Kharas regional governor, Aletha Frederick said the recent handing over of two classrooms, storeroom, and ablution facilities to Oosterheim Combined School by the Anglo-American Namibian Foundation (AANF) is a testament to the power of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and collaboration in the provision of quality education.
Frederick delivered keynote addresses during the handover of the facilities in Aroab over the weekend.
“This project, which has been made possible through the generous support of the Anglo-American Namibian Foundation, is a significant milestone in our quest to improve the quality of education for all Namibians, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” said Frederick.
She indicated although significant strides have been made in recent years to improve access to education, the government still faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of infrastructure, not limited to classrooms and related facilities, but also sanitation, particularly in rural areas.
“The government of Namibia recognises that we cannot do this alone, and we are grateful for the support of such organisations who share our vision for a better future for our children,” she said.
Frederick said the new facilities will provide a safe and comfortable space for the learners to learn and grow and help address some of the infrastructure challenges that have hindered the delivery of quality education in the past. “Investing in school infrastructure is an investment in the future of our youth as it does not only enhance the learning experience but also contributes to creating a healthier and more sustainable educational environment.”
Frederick expressed gratitude to AANF for their generosity and commitment to improving education in Namibia.
AANF representative Richard Cook said since its inception, more than nine years ago, the foundation has consistently recognised education’s immense importance and relevance to societal aims.
He continued that the AANF first investigated the proposal sent to them for a request to increase the number of classrooms to accommodate senior learners upon which the foundation’s board of trustees was eager to support and approve the project.
“I believe that the construction of these classrooms will help create a better learning environment and improve the quality of education for the students,” said Cook.
He hopes that the facilities will be taken good care of for future generations to also make optimal use of them.
The school’s head girl Hillary Slambert, said she felt proud and excited that their need for more classrooms was answered.
“These facilities will now also make provision for senior learners to have more space and also ease the workload from our teachers in terms of the total learner teacher ratio,” she said.
Slambert, on behalf of her peers also expressed gratitude towards the AANF for their commendable contribution towards the school.
-sklukowski@nepc.com.na