Kunene schools shift to higher gear
The extensions and improvements at six rural schools in the Opuwo district were officially transferred earlier this week during a trip by the sponsors, the education ministry and the National Planning Commission, who assumed responsibility for the execution of the project.
The improvements comprise new dining halls, kitchens, teachers’ accommodation and ablution blocks. The facilities were built at a cost of almost N$24 million through the Namibia German Special Initiative Programme (NGSIP).
The schools are Okaoko-Otavi, Ombombo, Hungua, Otjitoko and Otjondeka Combined schools. The Okaoko-Otavi Combined School received a hostel and an informal kitchen, Otjitoko School received a hall, a new hostel and an informal kitchen, Otjondeka School received a new hostel while all others received hostels, informal kitchens, dining halls, teacher accommodation and ablution blocks.
Hungua Combined School was the biggest beneficiary where the NGSIP build a fully furnished dining hall and a kitchen for just over N$6 million. The Minister of Economic Planning and National Planning Commission, Hon.Tom Alweendo supported by former Deputy Prime Minister Dr Libertine Amathila handed over the infrastructure at the Okaoko-Otavi Combined School. The additions and extensions at the other schools were transferred at a joint ceremony at Ombombo Combined School.
The Head of Cooperation in the German Embassy, Mr Christian Gruen said Namibia is the African country that receives the highest per capita development funding from Germany, totalling some N$14 billion over 26 years.
Speaking at the Ombombo ceremony, the deputy Minister of Economic Planning and the National Planning Commission, Hon. Lucia Iipumbu said “As stakeholders our President has called on us to pull in one direction under the Harambee Prosperity Plan and here we are indeed pulling together,” she stressed. German Development Bank (Kfw) Country Director, Dr Uwe Stoll stressed the importance of education to support the development of children to realize their full potential.
