Allexer Namundjembo
Absolute Engineering Enterprises CC has launched an initiative to repair school furniture in the Otjozondjupa region.
The company is fixing chairs, lockers, beds, and tables for schools in the Okahandja district at its own expense.
The company’s owner, Shatyohamba Haihambo, said the project forms part of its social responsibility programme and started after schools were invited to apply for help.
“We officially commenced with our first batch of school tables, lockers, beds and chairs under the company’s social responsibility programme. We started in January,” Haihambo told Windhoek Observer on Sunday at Okahandja Secondary School, where repair work is under way.
He said schools that have already benefited include Okahandja Senior Secondary School, Okahandja Project School, Nau-Aib Primary School, Aurora Primary School, Otjosondu Primary School and K.J. Kapeua Combined School.
“Initially, the initiative was intended for boarding schools only. However, following requests for assistance from non-boarding schools, the project was extended to cover all schools within the Okahandja district as part of Absolute Engineering Enterprises CC’s social responsibility programme,” Haihambo said.
He said the project runs in two phases. Phase one focuses on repairing tables and chairs. Phase two will deal with beds and lockers.
“Through this social responsibility initiative, Absolute Engineering is salvaging old and broken chairs, tables, beds and lockers that would otherwise be discarded. All repair work is carried out at no cost for labour. However, schools may be required to cover the cost of materials where deemed necessary,” Haihambo said.
He said the initiative shows the company’s commitment to supporting schools and learners in the district.
“By standing with schools and families, the company is playing its part in building stronger communities and reaffirming the belief that every child in the Okahandja district deserves a chance to succeed,” he said.
The initiative comes as many public schools across Namibia continue to struggle with old furniture and poor infrastructure.
Several schools still face overcrowded classrooms, while others rely on temporary zinc structures or facilities that no longer support effective learning.
Risen repair costs, weather damage, vandalism and theft continue to strain budgets, leaving many schools with leaking roofs and broken furniture.
Against this background, Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called for a national school rehabilitation programme that makes use of Namibia’s vocational and technical skills base.
He has urged the government to involve unemployed graduates from vocational training centres and other technical institutions to help repair and rehabilitate school infrastructure while also creating work opportunities for young people.
