Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping officially unveiled classrooms and hostel blocks at two schools in the Kavango West Region on Monday.
Simanya Combined School and Satotwa Senior Primary School are part of the four rural schools upgraded and expanded with a Chinese Government grant in a period of two years. This donation was received by Education Minister Ester Anna Nghipondoka.
The two schools were refurbished with additional classrooms, libraries, administration blocks, ablution facilities, beds and hostels for more favourable conditions for both learners and teachers to study and teach in.
Speaking during the handover, Zhao said he was encouraged by the benefits brought to the people in the region by the project, and he believed that with the improved facilities, both schools will produce more talent for Namibia’s social and economic development.
The ambassador stated that China has always been keen to support Namibia’s social and economic development and places education as one of the prior
ities in their development cooperation with Namibia. He said China has donated altogether nine schools to Namibia since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, with the promise to do more in future.
Nghipondoka underlined education infrastructure as one of the remaining challenges they face as a ministry. She said their mission is to provide accessible, equitable, and inclusive quality education.
The minister said the Accelerated Infrastructure Development Plan (AIDP), which has been integrated into the 2022 National Conference on Education Implementation Plan, identifies the immediate infrastructural needs required to maintain low learners-to-teacher ratios, reduce travel distances, and address the needs for hostels, wash facilities and IT infrastructure. The inauguration Monday is testament to this commitment.
She further said a conducive educational environment is crucial for enhancing teaching, learning and achieving a better educational outcome.
‘By providing these essential resources, we
are addressing the critical issues of accessibility and retention,’ noted Nghipondoka.
The minister urged the beneficiaries to take pride in the new facilities by safeguarding them against vandalism and ensuring they are well maintained for generations to come.
Source: The Namibia News Agency
