When jobs were hard to find, Hazel Kamaazembua Putuaota chose not to sit at home and wait. Instead, the unemployed graduate teacher started a small education business that is now changing lives in her community.
Putuaota is a qualified teacher who graduated from the International University of Management (IUM). She is the founder of Ounongo Academy, an afternoon education programme based in Katutura Central.
She said the idea came from her own experience of unemployment and the many young people she saw struggling without support after school.
“I realised that waiting for opportunities was not the solution. I wanted to create something that helps children and helps me survive,” she said.
Ounongo Academy began in February 2024 and has been operating for two years. The programme assists learners with homework, school projects and examination preparation during the afternoons.
The name Ounongo comes from Otjiherero and means knowledge. Putuaota says the name reflects her roots and her belief in the power of education.
Her first start-up capital came from her mother, who loaned her the money she had earned from her kapana business.
“My mother raised us alone. She sold kapana every day so that we could finish school. Her strength inspired me,” she said.
The kindergarten started as a small homework support programme and has slowly grown.
Her prayer is to reach more children and keep them safe and focused during the afternoons.
She added that Namibia is currently facing a reading crisis, and that laying a strong reading foundation at an early age is key to shaping a better future for children.
They currently offer classes from Grade 0 to Grade 7. Over time, Ounongo Academy has grown, and her goal is to formally register the business to expand further. Through this growth, she hopes to reach and support more children, keeping them off the streets and helping them focus on their education rather than spending afternoons without guidance.
“This is about more than education. It is about keeping children off the streets and giving them guidance,” she said.
Ounongo Academy is now the main source of income for her and her family. The business supports her mother and younger siblings, who are still in school
She has also managed to employ one additional person, creating income for another household. In total, six people depend on the business.
Like many small business owners, she faces financial challenges. High rental costs, unpaid fees from parents, and limited access to teaching materials make it difficult to grow the business. She further said young entrepreneurs are often not taken seriously.
“Some people underestimate my work because I am young,” she said.
During tough months, especially long school holidays when learners travel, income drops. To survive, Ounongo Academy offers holiday classes to both enrolled learners and new students.
“These programmes help us stay afloat,” she said.
Despite her efforts, she has not yet benefited from any government support.
However, when looking at the future, she is hopeful to keep doing what she is passionate about and making a positive difference in her community.
