Parents alarmed by conditions at Khorixas school hostel
Parents of children enrolled at a Khorixas hostel have voiced deep disappointment and concern over deteriorating conditions at the Cornelius Goreseb High School hostel.
The parents told Namibian Sun the situation has remained unresolved for more than a year despite repeated complaints.
According to claims from sources, the second hostel block designated for female learners is allegedly occupied by teachers and hostel workers as well as individuals who are not employed by the education ministry.
According to a source who requested anonymity, some of these occupants are alleged to live in the hostel free of charge, further limiting space intended for learners.
Parents expressed frustration that they are often told the hostel is full, while accommodation designated for girls is being used for other purposes.
The hostel block housing the girls is also in poor condition, the source said.
Safety concerns were also raised, with parents alarmed that a male teacher living near the girls’ block is alleged to bring friends onto the hostel premises.
“They always tell us the hostel is full, but it will obviously be full if workers occupy the space meant for the girls. This is not safe for our children,” said a parent who requested anonymity.
Further concerns were raised after a voice note reportedly circulated in a local Khorixas group, noting the urgent need for repairs and describing the hostel as untidy, with broken windows and worn-out floors.
A mother who recently dropped off her daughter said there is a serious shortage of mattresses, while lockers are in such poor condition that should be replaced.
Ministry acknowledges problem
Responding to the concerns, the director of education in the Kunene region, Sofia Fredericks, told Namibian Sun her office is aware of the situation.
“Cornelius Goreseb hostel is not the only dilapidated hostel in the region," she said.
"There are several hostels in this condition, but we do have plans to renovate."
Fredericks added that three hostels in Outjo have already been renovated and that a broader renovation and development plan is in place, though limited resources mean the work cannot be done all at once.
Despite these assurances, parents say the conditions remain unacceptable and that the safety and dignity of learners should be prioritised without further delay.
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The parents told Namibian Sun the situation has remained unresolved for more than a year despite repeated complaints.
According to claims from sources, the second hostel block designated for female learners is allegedly occupied by teachers and hostel workers as well as individuals who are not employed by the education ministry.
According to a source who requested anonymity, some of these occupants are alleged to live in the hostel free of charge, further limiting space intended for learners.
Parents expressed frustration that they are often told the hostel is full, while accommodation designated for girls is being used for other purposes.
The hostel block housing the girls is also in poor condition, the source said.
Safety concerns were also raised, with parents alarmed that a male teacher living near the girls’ block is alleged to bring friends onto the hostel premises.
“They always tell us the hostel is full, but it will obviously be full if workers occupy the space meant for the girls. This is not safe for our children,” said a parent who requested anonymity.
Further concerns were raised after a voice note reportedly circulated in a local Khorixas group, noting the urgent need for repairs and describing the hostel as untidy, with broken windows and worn-out floors.
A mother who recently dropped off her daughter said there is a serious shortage of mattresses, while lockers are in such poor condition that should be replaced.
Ministry acknowledges problem
Responding to the concerns, the director of education in the Kunene region, Sofia Fredericks, told Namibian Sun her office is aware of the situation.
“Cornelius Goreseb hostel is not the only dilapidated hostel in the region," she said.
"There are several hostels in this condition, but we do have plans to renovate."
Fredericks added that three hostels in Outjo have already been renovated and that a broader renovation and development plan is in place, though limited resources mean the work cannot be done all at once.
Despite these assurances, parents say the conditions remain unacceptable and that the safety and dignity of learners should be prioritised without further delay.
[email protected]
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