Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament (MP) Johannes Martin on Monday handed over various items to learners at the Niitembu and Shinime Shiivula Primary Schools in the Oshana Region.

Martin, who taught at the two schools between 2007 and 2019, handed over items such as sanitary pads, masks, booklets on Namibia’s constitution, 2022 calendars, Parliamentary posters, COVID-19 awareness and other educational posters.

In his address, Martin urged the learners not to doubt their abilities if they want to achieve goals they set out for themselves, saying how far one goes in life depends on deciding what matters most.

“Don’t doubt yourself and take any opportunity that comes your way. Commit yourselves to the instructions from your teachers and that of your parents at home so that you can be someone in the community,” said Martin.

He said the donation is not politically motivated but is a token of appreciation towards the schools where he taught before joining politics.

“While I was a teacher, I noticed how girls would miss classes during menstruation and for this reason I approached different stakeholders to help me with this programme. One of them who acted positively towards my plea was the Namibia Planned Parenthood Association who supplemented me with the extra face masks, sanitisers, posters and sanitary pads that I am giving out today,” he said.

Accepting the donation, Niitembu Primary School principal Teressia Shilongo and Johanna Shigwedha, a life skills teacher at Shinime Primary School, suggested that MPs and people in positions of authority visit schools in different parts of the country so that learners can get to know them.

They also want learners to be educated very early on about the constitution in order for them to make informed decisions as responsible citizens.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency