MCA invests in education

Education inspectors, teachers and learners as well as members of the Helao Nafidi community came together last week to witness the laying of a cornerstone for the Regional Study and Resource Centre and 10 schools earmarked for upgrading and renovation by the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia (MCA).
The laying of the cornerstone signals the start of the construction of the Regional Study and Resource Centre as well as 31 standard classrooms, 31 special classrooms (11 science labs, 10 computer labs and 10 libraries), seven school administration offices, 17 toilet blocks, nine houses for teachers and 48 teacher apartments/flats at the 10 schools.
All new facilities will be provided with new furniture, school science kits, computers and equipment before being handed over to the Government.
“This community is anxiously looking forward to accessing the services this Regional Study and Resource Centre and the 10 schools will offer,” said Dr Abraham Iyambo, Minister of Education.
Referring to the centre, Iyambo said that MCA through the contractors is crafting, constructing and developing the jewel in the crown of this community.
United States Ambassador, Wanda Nesbitt underscored the importance of study and resource centres and said that the library and information service sector has been recognised as critical for education, research, public administration and economic development.
“Libraries are the collectors and stewards of information. Their collections whether print, audio or digital materials, can ensure equal access to information for all citizens,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Tom Alweendo, director general of the National Planning Commission and MCA Board chairperson, said as part of its activity to improve the quality of education, MCA Namibia is renovating and upgrading up to 47 schools in nine regions.
These are the Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati, Kavango, Oshikoto, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Khomas and Omaheke regions.
The 1800m² Regional Study Resource Centre is estimated to cost about N$50 million. It will be a double storey building and will stock about 35 000 books; a computer and audio visual centre that will be able to accommodate around 80 people; study space for 220 students/learners; and a hall that will accommodate 125 people. In total, the library will have a capacity to accommodate around 600 people at any given time.