Hostel left to rot

Slum-like conditions at a rundown primary-school hostel in the Kunene Region have cast a spotlight on the state of education and of maintenance at government institutions following an outcry by many Namibians.

Photos posted by a charity organisation on social media recently as part of a fundraising drive to help improve conditions at the Frans Frederick Primary School hostel, show beds without mattresses, broken windows and ceilings, dilapidated washrooms and toilets as well as peeling walls.

Former pupils of the school pointed out that the hostel was built in the early 1980s and has not been renovated since then.

Serious concerns about sanitation and health at the hostel have been raised countrywide.

School principal Naftalie Goraseb this week confirmed that the photos paint an accurate picture of conditions at the hostel.

He said it was true that many students slept on spring beds without mattresses, after the government stopped supplying the hostel with bedding.

He said parents are expected to supply bedding for their children, including mattresses.

“Most government schools did not receive mattresses, apparently because of tender issues.

“It has been at least three or four years,” he said.

He said when learners first arrive at the hostel, they and their guardians or parents are shown around and parents are encouraged to supply a mattress, but this is not always financially possible.

“Many only leave blankets but no mattress.

“I think mostly it's because they can't afford to buy mattresses. They are just not able to help.”



All publicity is good publicity

Goraseb stressed that the charity organisation that posted the photos online did so with “good intentions” to help the school by appealing for private donations from hunters who visit Namibia.

Since then, several farmers in the area and other interested parties have contacted the school and offered to help.

Moreover, a delegation from the Kunene regional education office visited the school last week, and a meeting with several stakeholders was earmarked for yesterday afternoon.

“The response from the public has been largely positive. And especially people from this area have been calling after they saw the school and volunteered to help.”

He said the directorate of education visited to “verify the situation” and the way forward must still be determined.

He said the hostel's windows, ceilings and walls need urgent attention and the school simply does not have the funds to renovate.

Goraseb added that the school and hostel are also seriously understaffed but that there is a moratorium on new hires because of government cutbacks.

The hostel accommodates around 200 learners.



Social media pitches in

While some expressed shock and outrage, many people who saw the photos on social media blamed the government for the hostel's condition.

One man described the hostel as a “humanitarian disaster” and asked: “How in the world could this be possible?”

Another questioned the government's spending priorities. “What is this government? You drive the latest and most expensive cars while the schools look like this? Look where the children have to sleep. You do not stand for your people.”

Another woman ventured that the conditions at the hostel are “sad and horrible” and seem to be similar to those of Namibian correctional facilities.

But others called on communities to band together to assist and share the responsibility, noting that the government alone is not responsible for the upkeep of the facilities.

“It is very depressing just to see these pictures. It is embarrassing and inhumane. I would like to urge the former leaners (alumni) of this school to come up with solutions, we cannot just allow government to be blamed or look to them. Let's take ownership of this eyesore,” one man wrote.

Another social media user proposed a trust fund where Namibians donate N$100 per month for the upkeep of government schools, hostels and clinics; but others pointed out that Namibians already sponsor education by paying tax.

“People are already paying for schools and clinics in the form of taxes. The problem needs to be caught at the root. I find starting to collect extra money to fill the holes of corruption is the wrong way to go. It provides a quick fix but worsens the problem long term. The ministries are responsible for it. They have the funding. Let them deal with it. It's literally why those ministries exist.”

The ministry of education's official response to Namibian Sun was not yet available by the time of going to print yesterday.

JANA-MARI SMITH