Maria David
THE little you have will surely make a difference, says the management of the Ambrosius P. Amutenya Junior Secondary School at Okahao, Omusati Region.
They are working around the clock to raise funds for the renovation of their buildings before the start of the 2023 academic year.
Established in 2002, the school has 55 learners, seven teachers and two institutional workers.
It offers classes from pre-primary to grade 9.
The number of learners is expected to increase next year.
The management is of the opinion that proper infrastructure needs to be in place to ensure that the school is ready for next year’s intake.
The school building was vandalized by unknown persons who also stole the doors of the ablution facilities in 2016.
The fundraising campaign has already started and cash and pledges have already started coming in.
A bazaar that is planned for 29-31 July is part of that campaign.
According to Acting school Principal Johanna Peelenga, the funds are needed to renovate the vandalized building and for the day-to-day infrastructure maintenance. There are also plans to construct a learners’ hostel.
Peelenga stated that financial and in-kind assistance was received from various people who are “friends of education” and who believe in meeting the government half-way.
According to statistics provided by the Omusati Regional governor Erginus Endjala recently, the region has 296 schools, of which 276 are public schools and 20 private. Learners’ enrolment at public schools stands at 103 224, while 2 942 learners attend private schools.
The total number of teachers stands at 3 593, which is 241 less than the required 3 834.
There are 17 schools with hostel facilities with the capacity to accommodate 8 414 borders. However, the hostels are now overcrowded, accommodating 10 417 learners, which is 2 003 more than their carrying capacity.
Those willing to assist the school can reach out to Peelenga at 081 883 9848.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Pexels.com
