Julina Kaakunga
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Coorperation Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged parents, teachers and community leaders to also contribute and invest in schools.
“We know not all of us have money to give, but we can offer services, advice, or in kind,” she said while thanking all teachers for the work they do.
She said this in a speech read on her behalf at the St Barnabas Primary School’s 100-year anniversary on Thursday. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that 100 years ago, very few people thought that this school would survive under such oppressive conditions, but it has stood the test of time.
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Jenelly Matundu, on behalf of Nandi-Ndaitwah then unveiled an inaugural plague and took part in the cake-cutting ceremony.
The school choir gave several captivating performances, while students from Namibia Primary School and Mandume Primary School performed poems and dances. The crowd enjoyed these performances since they had both new and classic flavours. The choir included an old song in their performance that represented the period when the Germans drove the Ovaherero people from Ohamakari.
Prominent figures such as the late Clemence Kapuuo, Boois Pakarae, as well the founding father of the nation, His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, also attended night classes at the respective school.
Dr Kaire Mbuende, who also attended the school, gave a historical background on the school’s foundation and encouraged the parents, teachers and community to pour in government schools.
“Taking your child to a school far away, with the idea that the nearby school is not ‘good enough’ without taking the time to help change that school is something that needs to be worked on,” he noted.
Although the official launch was on Thursday, the school has had a lot of fun activities since last week Monday, which included thematic discussions.
“Some of the activities included old games that used to be played in the olden days to bring back old memories as well as introducing them to the new generation,” said Alexadryne Kaune, a head of department at the school.
Onesmus Amathila, a former alumnus, donated N$2 500 to the school. Amathila, reflected on the difference between past and present days while encouraging the new generation to remain disciplined.
“How you dress yourself and the language you speak, is what discipline is,” he said.
Located in Windhoek, Khomas, Namibia, St. Barnabas Primary School is one of the country’s oldest educational institutions. At first, it was an Anglican Mission School run by the South West African government. In 1983, the school had just 51 students enrolled.