Vulnerable learners in the Erongo Region received a welcome boost ahead of the 2026 academic year, including the handover of school shoes and a financial contribution during a Back-2-School Drive held in Swakopmund earlier this month.
The 4×4 Initiative Foundation, in collaboration with the Erongo Regional Governor’s Office, handed over more than 50 pairs of school shoes as part of its ongoing efforts to support disadvantaged learners and promote dignity and confidence among schoolchildren. During the event, the Governor’s Office also presented a cheque of N$20 000 to the Boys Child Initiative, aimed at strengthening mentorship and leadership programmes for boys in the region.
Speaking at the handover, 4×4 Initiative Foundation founder, Sidney Boois said the initiative was rooted in community responsibility and collective action. “While one person or one event cannot change the entire world, it is one action, taken in one day, that often leads to transformation. What our communities need now is kindness, love and support,” Boois said. He explained that the shoe donation forms part of the foundation’s long-running flagship project, One Means 1000, which has been active for nine years. He added that the shoes were contributed by boys, parents and friends associated with the initiative and called for support to extend the initiative to children in rural communities as well.
The programme also included school visits and motivational talks conducted in partnership with the Swakopmund Municipality, during which teachers and learners were encouraged and key challenges in schools were observed. Addressing learners, parents and educators, the Governor of Erongo region, Nathalia /Goagoses, welcomed learners to the 2026 academic year and stressed that education is a shared responsibility between learners, parents, teachers, government and the broader community. “No child should be bullied or sent home because they do not have school shoes, and school fees remain voluntary,” /Goagoses said, accentuating that learners should never be punished for a parent’s inability to pay school fees. The Erongo Governor also emphasised the need for remedial and compensatory support for learners who struggled academically in 2025, while calling for stronger cooperation between regional authorities and central government to address infrastructure and planning challenges in schools.
The Mayor of Swakopmund, Suamma Kautondokwa lauded the 4×4 Initiative Foundation for its hands-on approach, particularly its focus on the boy child through leadership camps and school engagement programmes. “For too long, the boy child has been neglected. These programmes provide emotional support, guidance and mentorship, helping boys to find their voice and stay on the right path,” she said. Kautondokwa added that the foundation’s work in schools, including early-morning visits and direct engagement with teachers and learners, reflects a commitment to service beyond boardrooms and offices.
The Back-2-School Drive 2026 aims to ensure that learners begin the school year with dignity, confidence and a sense of belonging. The handover ceremony reflects a shared commitment between the office of the governor and stakeholders to promote access to education and social upliftment for children in need.
By sharlien Tjambari
