Ndama East school: In the eye of a political storm

The sun has barely risen over Rundu’s eastern horizon when queues of children wind their way across the sand, their bare feet kicking up dust as they trek long kilometres to Ndama East Primary School.For them, the school is more than a cluster of makeshift classrooms – it is a lifeline. Yet in recent weeks, this lifeline has been caught in a storm of politics, bureaucracy and confusion, with authorities suddenly labelling it an “illegal school”.For principal Asser Ndara, the controversy feels like déjà vu. He remembers clearly how Ndama East came to life a few years ago, through community effort and with the blessing, he insists, of government officials.“The ministry was aware, the landowner gave approval, and even regional leaders attended our meetings. We are registered in practice, but now politics is being used to undermine us,” he told Namibia Sun this week.Classroom heroes Ndama East is run by a team of 14 volunteer teachers and two cleaners. With no formal salaries, they rely on occasional parental contributions but mostly act out of sheer sacrifice for the sake of the children.Among them are Johannes Shindimba, who walks 12 km daily from his home; Maria Hamutenya, who travels from Sauyemwa; and Daniel Kasera, who journeys from Tumweneni. Some stay overnight in nearby shacks.“They are not paid a cent,” Ndara explained. “They do it because they believe children deserve an education. Sometimes a parent shares water or maize meal with them, but many parents cannot afford even that.”The school caters to about 600 learners from pre-primary to Grade 6, split across multi-grade classes. Subjects mirror the national curriculum – maths, English, social studies, environmental studies and life skills. “We want our learners to compete at the same level as any other Namibian child,” Ndara said.Classrooms are makeshift, with most children sitting on logs. Changing seasons affect attendance sharply.“In the rainy season, classes stop when storms come. In winter, the cold keeps many at home. But we record attendance daily, just like any other school,” the principal said.The grading system also mirrors that of government schools. Learners write term tests, are given assignments and marks are entered into record books. Transfers are processed with letters signed by Ndara.“Our learners go to Ndama South or other schools, and their reports are accepted,” he pointed out. “That is why I don’t understand this sudden claim that our school is not recognised.”‘This school matters’ For parents, the school has been a lifeline. Elina Kangumbe, a mother of three kids enrolled at Ndama East, says without it, her children would have no access to education.“My children are learning here because the nearest formal school is full, and I cannot afford to send them far,” she said. “Yes, the classrooms are poor, but at least they are learning. If they close this school, what happens to our children? We will be back to zero.”Kangumbe’s youngest child, a Grade 2 learner, dreams of becoming a nurse. “Every day she wakes up excited to come. Sometimes she comes home dirty, sometimes wet from the rain, but she refuses to miss school. That should show government this school matters,” Kangumbe said.The local headman, who asked not to be named in case of political backlash, confirmed that the community allocated land for the school with his blessing. “We wanted to help our children. The councillor knew. The ministry knew. Now for them to deny it is like spitting on the community,” he said. “The government must solve, not fight, this issue.”Results despite hardshipAgainst all odds, the school maintains an estimated 60% pass rate, with some learners reaching averages of 70% to 79%. Report cards are issued at the end of each term, and Ndara ensures records are kept.“When learners transfer, their files go with them, as in any other school,” he explained. “We do not play with children’s education. If anything, the conditions here make them work harder.”The debate over legality intensified after AR leader Job Amupanda visited the school and blasted government’s neglect. Since then, ruling party figures have accused Ndama East of being a political tool, while parents insist it is about their children’s futures.Ndara rejects claims that teachers are exploiting parents. “They say learners pay fees – this is not true. Some parents voluntarily contribute small amounts, but many cannot. Most of the burden is on teachers themselves.”For now, uncertainty clouds the school’s future. Learners continue to sit on logs, teachers continue their dedicated hard work for little reward other than seeing children learning, and parents continue to worry.“The child deserves education – it is their right,” Ndara said. “Closing this school would not punish me. It would punish the children.”phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Ndama East school: In the eye of a political storm

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-15

Please login to leave a comment

Ndama East school: In the eye of a political storm

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-15

Please login to leave a comment

Login