Eight secondary schools in the Swakopmund and Walvis Bay circuit received a major boost to science education on Wednesday, 15 July, when Langer Heinrich Uranium donated 3 467 textbooks valued at more than N$1 million.
The textbooks, covering Mathematics, Physical Science and Chemistry for Grades 10 to 12, were officially handed over during a ceremony attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, school principals, teachers, learners and company officials.
Speaking at the event, Langer Heinrich Uranium Managing Director Armandt Visagie said education remains one of the company’s key corporate social responsibility priorities. “We believe that meaningful development begins with opportunity,” Visagie said, adding that the textbooks would support teaching, improve learning outcomes and inspire learners to pursue excellence in critical science subjects.
Visagie also shared a personal connection to the initiative, revealing that he and a colleague were both former learners at Swakopmund Secondary School. “I see the future of Namibia in you. A dream without action will always remain just that, a dream,” he told learners. Representing the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Franco Kolofo described the donation as a significant investment in the future of Namibia. He said access to quality learning and teaching support materials remain essential for effective curriculum implementation and improved learner performance, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Kolofo noted that while government continues to invest in education, limited resources mean partnerships with the private sector remain essential. “The Directorate’s resources cannot cater for all the needs of schools, Kuisebmond Secondary School Principal Jonathan Maswahu said the books represent more than physical learning materials. “You have handed our children the keys to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, the language of technology and the tools of modern engineering,” he said.
Maswahu also pledged that the schools would ensure the textbooks are used effectively and preserved so future learners can continue to benefit from them. Speaking on behalf of the learners, Tutaleni High School head girl Rosalia Kaupitwa thanked the mining company for investing in education. She said the textbooks would improve examination preparation, strengthen learners’ under-standing of key subjects and encourage academic excellence across the participating schools. “We promise to make good use of these resources and honour your investment through dedication, hard work and academic excellence,” she said.
The beneficiary schools are Kamwandi Secondary School, Westside Secondary School, Duinesig High School, Flamingo Secondary School, Kuisebmund Secondary School, Tutaleni High School, Swakopmund Secondary School and Coastal High School. The donation forms part of Langer Heinrich Uranium’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and developing future professionals in science and engineering fields within the Erongo Region.
By Sharlien Tjambari
