Maria David and Placido Hilukilwa
FORMER learners at Makalani Primary School in Grootfontein, Otjozondjupa Region, are mobilising resources to help with the school’s dilapidated infrastructure.
The sorry state of the school facilities came to light recently during a review of places where teams for the Region 5 Games would be accommodated.
The Paralympic team that was selected for the Games was scheduled to be accommodated at the school while training at Rietfontein. However, the school’s accommodation facilities were found to be unfit for human habitation. The team was eventually booked at the National Youth Service Centre at Rietfontein.
Video: Contributed
A member of the school’s management, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted that the school facilities are old and dilapidated but said the situation is not that bad.
“The building is old and needs renovations. We are already trying very hard at school level to make a better home away from actual home for the learners,” the member said.
Former learners have created a platform as a tool to mobilise resources for the school’s renovation.
“We are who we are because of this school. This platform is created for us to find creative ways to support the renovation of the school that once shaped us into the people we are today.”
Meanwhile, the multi-sport Region 5 Games have been underway since 4 July and will last until Sunday. Namibia stepped in as the host nation on relatively short notice after Mozambique withdrew. About 2,552 athletes and officials from 10 Southern African countries are participating.
