Photo: From left to Right – Dr Fabian George (MTC Board Member and Chairperson of the MTC Sustainability, Ethics & Social Committee), Benhardt Geigob (Former Principal for !Oe #Gab Primary School) Mr Jossel Hindjou (Principal for Okongue Primary School), Hon. Nathalia /Goagoses (Governor of the Erongo Region), Anna Josti (Principal for JP Brandt primary), and Inecia Brandt (Daures Constituency Councillor).
Three schools in the Erongo Region have received new classroom blocks and renovations worth N$3.2 million under the MTC Rural Schools Project, in a move aimed at improving learning conditions for learners in remote communities.
Okongue Primary School in Daures, JP Brandt in Utuseb and !Oe #Gab in Tubusis each received a block comprising two classrooms and storerooms, while existing structures at the schools were also renovated. The facilities were officially handed over on Tuesday at Okongue Primary School in the Daures Constituency. Erongo Governor Nathalia /Goagoses welcomed the investment, describing partnerships between government, the private sector and communities as essential to addressing infrastructure needs in education. “Education is a shared responsibility.
While Government provides leadership, policy direction and resources, strong partnerships with the private sector, communities and other stakeholders enable us to achieve greater impact,” /Goagoses said. She called on other businesses and organisations to follow MTC and the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund’s example by investing in initiatives that improve the lives of Namibians. The governor also urged the beneficiaries and surrounding communities to take ownership of the new facilities by maintaining and protecting them for future generations. “A classroom is more than four walls and a roof; it is a place where dreams begin, potential is discovered and futures are shaped,” she said.
MTC Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer Tim Ekandjo said the project was responding to a significant shortage of classrooms across the country. “With a significant classroom shortfall across the country, we need more corporate partnerships to support Government in addressing this national challenge,” Ekandjo said. According to Ekandjo, MTC, in partnership with the MVA Fund, has so far built 61 classrooms nationwide. He urged more companies to join the initiative, saying greater corporate participation would allow the project to reach more schools.
The MVA Fund contributed N$1 million towards the classroom blocks and storerooms at the three Erongo schools. MVA Fund Chief Corporate Affairs John Haufiku said the organisation’s involvement reflected its commitment to community investment, despite its core mandate being focused on preventing motor vehicle crashes and supporting people affected by road crashes. “Education being one of our CSI focus areas, our partnership with MTC reflects this commitment,” Haufiku said. He said the investment was not only in infrastructure but also in the potential of learners in rural areas.
At Okongue Primary School, principal Jossel Hindjou said the new facilities had already made a difference to teaching and learning. “We are grateful beyond words. The impact of this project is positively changing the teaching and learning experience, especially for those of us in remote areas,” Hindjou said. He said the school had previously faced a serious shortage of classrooms, and teachers did not have a dedicated staff room. “That is now history, thanks to MTC and the MVA Fund,” he said.
By Sharlien Tjambari
