Mariental – The donation of computer and science laboratory equipment to two schools in the Hardap Region is a big step towards making science, information and communication technology education part of everyday life in the teaching and learning environment.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony recently at Mariental, Education, Arts and Culture Minister, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, noted that it is heart-breaking that some schools do not have these essential tools for achieving best possible learning and teaching results.
“Our ultimate objective is no longer about universal access to education, but quality education fit for the purpose of the 21st century modern and sophisticated economy,” the minister stressed.
She further noted that she regards ICT as an anchor for radical transformation of basic education.
“I have come to the determination that ICT is crucial to improving the quality and efficiency of the system on a number of aspects, including administration, e-learning and teacher training.”
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) donated a laboratory equipped with 31 computers to DD Guibeb Primary in Mariental and a science laboratory to Daweb Combined School in Maltahohe village.
Hanse-Himarwa, a former Hardap governor, praised the Turkish government and its people for investing in the future of Namibia’s children.
She acknowledged that investment in knowledge through partnerships confirms that education is a societal issue.
“It is based on this beliefe that I started an initiative ‘Friends of Education in Namibia Special Initiative (FENSI),” she revealed.
The minister said it is her ministry’s objective to invite partners through this initiative to become friends of education in Namibia.
The United Nations Post-2015 Agenda requires member states to achieve equitable, inclusive quality education and life-long learning by 2030 and the donation will go a long way in achieving that objective, Hanse-Himarwa added.
Speaking at the same event, Turkish Ambassador to Namibia, Deniz Cakar said her country invested in 35 projects with a total value of N$12 million nationally.
“The importance of computers and internet is indisputable and you must grab the opportunity,” the ambassador told the learners and teachers at the schools.