Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, recently inaugurated a block of three classrooms and ablution facilities at Suiderhof Primary School in Windhoek.
She explained that the project was made possible through voluntary mobilisation, with parents, guardians, educators and the School Board collectively contributing about N$2 million towards the project.
“This is a powerful demonstration of organised leadership, active citizenship and a community that recognises the transformative power of education. It shows the results possible when communities step forward to meet Government halfway,” Steenkamp said.
Photos: Ministry of Education Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture
She noted that the school currently accommodates 1,410 learners, from pre-primary to Grade 7, and that the additional classrooms will serve about 132 learners. According to the minister, the expansion marks an important step in reducing overcrowding, improving teacher–learner engagement and strengthening the overall quality of education.
“Equally important are the newly constructed ablution facilities. Safe, modern sanitation is essential for protecting health, ensuring learner dignity, and fostering a culture of respect. By prioritising sanitation, we reaffirm our commitment to learning environments where every child feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive,” Steenkamp added.
The minister further assured that the Ministry of Education is committed to tackling school overcrowding across the country and intends to roll out targeted decongestion projects in highly congested schools in the Erongo, Khomas, Kavango, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi regions.
“These initiatives include the construction of new classrooms, pre-primary facilities and ablution blocks, carried out by public entities such as August 26, Namibia Training Authority (NTA), the National Youth Service (NYS), and the Namibian Institute of Mines and Technology (NIMT). I am pleased to report that most sites have completed initial site establishment, site clearance and foundation work, demonstrating tangible progress on the ground,” Steenkamp added.
