Relief as govt officially recognises Ndama East School
More than 500 learners at the controversial Ndama East School in Rundu will no longer study in makeshift shelters or under trees after the previously community-run institution was formally recognised as a government school last week following community appeals.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare confirmed the development during an inspection of projects in and around Rundu on Friday.
Ngurare warned against political interference in education and stressed that access should never be politicised
“We should not politicise schools or the education sector. Education is for every child, and politics should never come in the way of that,” he stressed.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp, who accompanied Ngurare, said the intervention at Ndama East forms part of a wider strategy to reduce severe overcrowding at schools.
She revealed that the ministry is targeting 39 schools in five regions – Kavango East, Khomas, Erongo, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi – where some schools accommodate 2 000 or more learners without adequate infrastructure. Ndama Combined School, with over 2 600 pupils, is among the worst affected.
“In Kavango East alone, we will decongest four schools, resulting in 60 new classrooms. For Ndama East specifically, 25 classrooms will be built, and we are glad that a consensus was finally reached on where the school should be constructed,” Steenkamp said.
Land for the new school was formally allocated last week after consultations between government, local leaders and the community.
Teacher jobs
The minister also addressed teacher recruitment processes.
While acknowledging the role of volunteers who had kept Ndama East running, she said appointments will strictly adhere to the Public Service Act.
Twenty-five teaching posts will be advertised nationally, and volunteers at the school will be free to apply like anyone else, Steenkamp said.
“We will not allow mass recruitment or any appointments outside legal processes. That would compromise the integrity of our education system.”
Valid concerns
The minister explained that government’s hard stance against “illegal schools” is driven by law and the need to protect learners from what she called “learning poverty”.
“An unregistered school cannot issue valid report cards or ensure learners are assessed properly. That creates long-term problems if those learners transfer elsewhere,” she noted. “What happened at Ndama East was unprecedented, but government is stepping in because the community’s concerns are valid and the children’s right to education comes first.”
Steenkamp said Friday’s breakthrough was the result of collaboration between government, traditional authorities and the local community.
Relief for parents
Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka outlined plans for the school, which include the construction of 25 classrooms, an administrative block, four ablution facilities, a secure perimeter fence and connection to both water and electricity.
A borehole will also be drilled on site to provide a reliable supply of water for learners and staff.
Construction is expected to start by January, with temporary tents being erected in the meantime to accommodate pupils.
The announcement was welcomed by Ndama East residents, who have long pushed for the school’s recognition.
They cited overcrowding at Ndama Combined and the long distances younger learners had to walk as significant hardships.
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare confirmed the development during an inspection of projects in and around Rundu on Friday.
Ngurare warned against political interference in education and stressed that access should never be politicised
“We should not politicise schools or the education sector. Education is for every child, and politics should never come in the way of that,” he stressed.
Education minister Sanet Steenkamp, who accompanied Ngurare, said the intervention at Ndama East forms part of a wider strategy to reduce severe overcrowding at schools.
She revealed that the ministry is targeting 39 schools in five regions – Kavango East, Khomas, Erongo, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi – where some schools accommodate 2 000 or more learners without adequate infrastructure. Ndama Combined School, with over 2 600 pupils, is among the worst affected.
“In Kavango East alone, we will decongest four schools, resulting in 60 new classrooms. For Ndama East specifically, 25 classrooms will be built, and we are glad that a consensus was finally reached on where the school should be constructed,” Steenkamp said.
Land for the new school was formally allocated last week after consultations between government, local leaders and the community.
Teacher jobs
The minister also addressed teacher recruitment processes.
While acknowledging the role of volunteers who had kept Ndama East running, she said appointments will strictly adhere to the Public Service Act.
Twenty-five teaching posts will be advertised nationally, and volunteers at the school will be free to apply like anyone else, Steenkamp said.
“We will not allow mass recruitment or any appointments outside legal processes. That would compromise the integrity of our education system.”
Valid concerns
The minister explained that government’s hard stance against “illegal schools” is driven by law and the need to protect learners from what she called “learning poverty”.
“An unregistered school cannot issue valid report cards or ensure learners are assessed properly. That creates long-term problems if those learners transfer elsewhere,” she noted. “What happened at Ndama East was unprecedented, but government is stepping in because the community’s concerns are valid and the children’s right to education comes first.”
Steenkamp said Friday’s breakthrough was the result of collaboration between government, traditional authorities and the local community.
Relief for parents
Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka outlined plans for the school, which include the construction of 25 classrooms, an administrative block, four ablution facilities, a secure perimeter fence and connection to both water and electricity.
A borehole will also be drilled on site to provide a reliable supply of water for learners and staff.
Construction is expected to start by January, with temporary tents being erected in the meantime to accommodate pupils.
The announcement was welcomed by Ndama East residents, who have long pushed for the school’s recognition.
They cited overcrowding at Ndama Combined and the long distances younger learners had to walk as significant hardships.
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