Maria David
LOCATED south of Ongwediva, Tukondjeni Pre and Kindergarten is home to about 30 learners. The school, which offers essential basic education to children, received a donation of building materials from the Ongwediva Town Council on Wednesday.
At its ordinary monthly meeting last year, the council approved a donation of office furniture, playground materials, and accessories worth N$15,000 to Tukondjeni Pre and Kindergarten Centre.
Ongwediva Mayor Taarah Shalyefu said this educational initiative aims to assist children who were previously disadvantaged in their community.
He explained that education is a collective responsibility and should not only be entrusted to a certain group. Instead, all stakeholders should work hand in hand to educate Namibian children.
“It is the Council’s responsibility, as per the Local Authorities Act, 1992, to engage in activities that promote the welfare of communities, promote education and training, and aim at promoting the economic advancement, recreational, and leisure activities of communities within the area of Ongwediva,” he said.
Shalyefu emphasized that the aim is to promote education and training opportunities in Ongwediva.
He added that this donation is not the last of its kind; the council will continue to assist with the limited funds they have to help where they can.
School founder Ali Shomongula said that the school was established in 2020 with 27 learners, and the number has since increased.
Shomongula indicated that in 2022 they expanded their school to include pre-grade to offer more basic education to the learners.
“We established the school to reduce the travelling distance for the learners to and from school,” she said.
The Tukondjeni Pre and Kindergarten school management thanked the Town Council for the generous donation, which will assist them in maintaining the education of Namibian children.
