Renthia Kaimbi
Stepping Stone Special Education School has opened its new campus in Ocean View, Swakopmund.
The school, the country’s first registered private institution for neurodivergent and visually impaired children, has moved into a purpose-built facility designed to support learners with specialised needs.
The relocation allows the school to expand its services and respond to a growing waiting list.
Founded in 2015 by Almarie Mostert, the school has grown steadily from a small initiative into a key learning space for children who require specialised support.
The new campus creates room for this growth and improves access to tailored education.
A central feature of the new facility is a dedicated division for blind and visually impaired learners.
“With this school, we have made our hope tangible: here, every child will find a place where they can learn, develop, and flourish,” Mostert told Observer Coastal.
The initiative carries personal meaning for Mostert, who lives with visual impairment, as did her sister, while their late brother was fully blind. The new wing has already welcomed its first learners.
Southern Energy Company fully funded the construction of the school building.
Additional support came from long-term partners including the German Embassy, Namibia Facilities Management, and Orano Mining Namibia, which previously sponsored classrooms.
The construction was managed by local firm K Neumayer, which carried out the work at reduced rates and also donated a classroom, contributing to the community effort behind the project.
The campus accommodates the school’s Complex Needs stream for learners with significant developmental or behavioural challenges, as well as the Learning Support stream for children working at primary school level.
The addition of the Visually Impaired division brings these services together at one site. The school also runs a vocational training programme for neurodiverse learners.
Stepping Stone operates as a privately funded institution and relies on school fees and community support.
Its I Need an Effective Education (INEEd) sponsorship campaign and ongoing fundraising efforts remain central to maintaining access for families.
“We owe this moment to the generosity and faith of every sponsor. In partnership, we haven’t just constructed a building; we have laid the groundwork for generations to come,” said Mostert.
With operations now based in Ocean View, the school begins a new phase focused on expanding support for learners with special education needs and strengthening inclusive education in Namibia.
