‘More churches than schools’
Ndama East parents defend their school
The community-run school Ndama East is staffed by 13 volunteer teachers and a principal working without pay, a situation residents say reflects the dire lack of resources in the area.
Phillipus JosefRundu
Ndama residents have accused authorities of neglecting their children’s right to education and stressed that Kavango East has “more churches than schools.”
During a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, community members argued that while more than 200 churches have sprung up across the region, classrooms remain scarce, leaving learners crammed into overcrowded spaces or sitting on floors.
They said the imbalance highlights misplaced priorities.
“Every street you turn, you see a church. But when it comes to schools, children have nowhere to sit. That is why we are saying the government should get its priorities right,” said resident David Ndumba, who addressed the demonstrators.
The protest comes against the backdrop of a community-driven effort launched in 2022, and follows the education ministry’s recent condemnation of unregistered community-supported schools in the area, specifically Ndama East.
In a statement in parliament last week, education minister Sanet Steenkamp declared the school illegal and ordered that it should cease operations.
However, teachers and community members have vowed not to shut it down until the school is formally recognised and a permanent structure is built. Meanwhile, learners are expected to resume classes next Monday after the mid-term break.
Community takes action
Ndumba explained that as classrooms in Rundu and surrounding areas filled up, many children were left without places in government schools, effectively turning them into “street kids”.
“Qualified but unemployed graduates from the community saw this, came together, and started teaching them in one place,” he explained.
“That is how this school was born,” he added, referring to Ndama East, which is run by the community and has been at the centre of debate in recent days.
The volunteer initiative gradually gained traction, with parents registering their children and local leaders endorsing the arrangement, which offers pre-primary to Grade 6 classes.
Currently, 13 volunteer teachers and a principal run Ndama East. They do so without pay, relying on their own pockets and community support for basic needs.
Parents insist they will not move their children to other schools, even if government-registered, citing severe overcrowding.
Ndumba said classrooms at recognised schools host up to 80 learners, with some reportedly forced to sit on the floor.
Budget diversion claimsProtesters also repeated claims that education funds meant for their settlement were diverted to build a school in Ndama South, where there were initially fewer learners.
“The decision was not explained,” Ndumba said.
He compared the situation to Siguruguru, another community-started school later recognised and integrated into the public system. “Back then, volunteers were absorbed into government service. Why not here?” he asked.
Ministry’s stanceContacted for comment on Tuesday, Kavango East education director Christine Shilima said the decision to build at Damapao and Ndama South was made before she assumed office.
On the current situation, Shilima confirmed she is awaiting guidance from the ministry’s head office.
“We need a neutral team to sit with us and the community so that we reach consensus. At the end of the day, only the minister has the power under the Education Act to recognise a new school,” she said.
While acknowledging overcrowding, Shilima cautioned against a trend of residents starting schools without following procedures. “If we recognise one, others will also demand recognition. We need proper planning,” she added.
Plans for new classroomsShilima confirmed that Ndama South currently accommodates more than 800 learners, while Ndama East has about 500. She said plans are underway to establish another school one kilometre from the settlement to relieve pressure, with construction expected to start once town council approvals are finalised.
“If parents at Ndama East choose not to move, we will still proceed because there are many children in the Norway and Beta areas also looking for space,” she explained.
In the meantime, Shilima said learners may continue with afternoon classes until permanent structures are built.
Ndama parents insist such delays cannot continue. “We are meeting the government halfway, but we cannot be left to struggle alone. These are Namibian children, and they deserve proper classrooms, not learning under trees,” said Ndumba.
The protest ended peacefully, but residents vowed to continue pressing for recognition of their school and a permanent structure.
Ndama residents have accused authorities of neglecting their children’s right to education and stressed that Kavango East has “more churches than schools.”
During a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday, community members argued that while more than 200 churches have sprung up across the region, classrooms remain scarce, leaving learners crammed into overcrowded spaces or sitting on floors.
They said the imbalance highlights misplaced priorities.
“Every street you turn, you see a church. But when it comes to schools, children have nowhere to sit. That is why we are saying the government should get its priorities right,” said resident David Ndumba, who addressed the demonstrators.
The protest comes against the backdrop of a community-driven effort launched in 2022, and follows the education ministry’s recent condemnation of unregistered community-supported schools in the area, specifically Ndama East.
In a statement in parliament last week, education minister Sanet Steenkamp declared the school illegal and ordered that it should cease operations.
However, teachers and community members have vowed not to shut it down until the school is formally recognised and a permanent structure is built. Meanwhile, learners are expected to resume classes next Monday after the mid-term break.
Community takes action
Ndumba explained that as classrooms in Rundu and surrounding areas filled up, many children were left without places in government schools, effectively turning them into “street kids”.
“Qualified but unemployed graduates from the community saw this, came together, and started teaching them in one place,” he explained.
“That is how this school was born,” he added, referring to Ndama East, which is run by the community and has been at the centre of debate in recent days.
The volunteer initiative gradually gained traction, with parents registering their children and local leaders endorsing the arrangement, which offers pre-primary to Grade 6 classes.
Currently, 13 volunteer teachers and a principal run Ndama East. They do so without pay, relying on their own pockets and community support for basic needs.
Parents insist they will not move their children to other schools, even if government-registered, citing severe overcrowding.
Ndumba said classrooms at recognised schools host up to 80 learners, with some reportedly forced to sit on the floor.
Budget diversion claimsProtesters also repeated claims that education funds meant for their settlement were diverted to build a school in Ndama South, where there were initially fewer learners.
“The decision was not explained,” Ndumba said.
He compared the situation to Siguruguru, another community-started school later recognised and integrated into the public system. “Back then, volunteers were absorbed into government service. Why not here?” he asked.
Ministry’s stanceContacted for comment on Tuesday, Kavango East education director Christine Shilima said the decision to build at Damapao and Ndama South was made before she assumed office.
On the current situation, Shilima confirmed she is awaiting guidance from the ministry’s head office.
“We need a neutral team to sit with us and the community so that we reach consensus. At the end of the day, only the minister has the power under the Education Act to recognise a new school,” she said.
While acknowledging overcrowding, Shilima cautioned against a trend of residents starting schools without following procedures. “If we recognise one, others will also demand recognition. We need proper planning,” she added.
Plans for new classroomsShilima confirmed that Ndama South currently accommodates more than 800 learners, while Ndama East has about 500. She said plans are underway to establish another school one kilometre from the settlement to relieve pressure, with construction expected to start once town council approvals are finalised.
“If parents at Ndama East choose not to move, we will still proceed because there are many children in the Norway and Beta areas also looking for space,” she explained.
In the meantime, Shilima said learners may continue with afternoon classes until permanent structures are built.
Ndama parents insist such delays cannot continue. “We are meeting the government halfway, but we cannot be left to struggle alone. These are Namibian children, and they deserve proper classrooms, not learning under trees,” said Ndumba.
The protest ended peacefully, but residents vowed to continue pressing for recognition of their school and a permanent structure.
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