Gochas: Minister of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, officially opened the Namaqua Kalahari Children's Hope Hostel at Gochas on Tuesday. The N.dollars 11.6 million facility was donated by the Spanish-based 'Foundawtion' organisation to provide 'a home away from home' for local students.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during the ceremony, Steenkamp emphasised that education is the cornerstone of national development and requires safe, conducive environments to flourish. She highlighted the significance of the hostel in offering new opportunities for children who might otherwise fall victim to social challenges such as drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, and unemployment.
The new facility will accommodate 60 learners, aiming to improve school retention and completion rates in line with government goals for equitable and quality education. Hostel Director Theo-Paulina Goliath described the hostel as a symbol of hope and dignity for children facing significant social and economic hardships. This sentiment was echoed by Emilia Celemin, Deputy Chief of Mission for the Spanish Embassy, who highlighted Spain's 25-year history of supporting social development and education within Namibia.
The donation includes a dining hall, a fully equipped kitchen with a reception area, and a dedicated study room. To ensure proper oversight and care, the complex also features a house for the superintendent, flats for supervisory staff, and sick bays. The Ministry of Education commended the leadership of the Hardap Region for their recent academic improvements despite prevailing challenges.
Steenkamp concluded the event by declaring the hostel officially open. She expressed hopes that it will serve as an inspiration for learning and a sanctuary for children, empowering them to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Foundawtion is a Spanish non-profit organisation, established by the architectural firm dawoffice, that focuses on improving quality of life in disadvantaged areas through social architecture, design, and educational infrastructure projects.