Rehoboth:Türkiye, through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has officially handed over refurbished facilities to Dr Lemmer High School Hostel in Rehoboth. The improvements include a renovated kitchen and dining hall, as well as an upgraded school garden and greenhouse, aimed at enhancing learner welfare and promoting sustainable food production.

According to Namibia Press Agency , the facilities were inaugurated by Türkiye's Ambassador to Namibia, Fikriye Akil Güven, during a ceremony at the school hostel. Ambassador Güven emphasized the project as a testament to the commitment of Türkiye and Namibia to invest in young people and foster a supportive learning environment. She highlighted the importance of nutritious meals and a healthy setting for learners' well-being and academic success.

The refurbishment of the hostel kitchen and dining facilities is designed to improve hygiene, food preparation, and safety for both learners and staff. Additionally, the school garden received enhancements including a water pipeline, irrigation system, soil preparation, and fencing, along with seeds and fertilizer. Ambassador Güven noted the garden's role as a practical learning space for students to gain agricultural skills and knowledge about nutrition and environmental responsibility.

Furthermore, Güven mentioned that TIKA has implemented over 130 projects in Namibia since 2014, focusing on areas such as education, health, agriculture, and water supply. Hardap Regional Director of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Paulus Lewin, praised the project as a significant investment in educational infrastructure, noting the dilapidated state of facilities in the Hardap Region. He stressed the importance of well-maintained kitchens and dining areas in hostels, which serve as second homes for learners.

Lewin also highlighted the potential of the new greenhouse to educate students on horticulture, food security, and sustainable agriculture, which are crucial given Namibia's water scarcity and food security issues. He urged school management, hostel staff, and students to maintain the facilities diligently. Dr Lemmer High School accommodates approximately 1,300 learners, including those residing in its hostel.