Renthia Kaimbi
Kuisebmond Secondary School has raised about N$2.5 million through a fundraising gala dinner to support the construction of a multi-purpose hall.
The event took place on Saturday evening at the Atlantic Hotel in Walvis Bay. Business leaders, government officials and community members attended the event to support the school’s infrastructure project.
School principal Jonathan Maswahu said the funds will help complete the second phase of construction.
He said the project has reached the roofing stage and about N$3 million is needed to complete the structure.
The hall will seat about 1 000 people. It will serve as an assembly venue for staff and learners, who currently gather outside for school meetings.
The facility will also include indoor courts for netball, basketball and volleyball.
Maswahu said the hall will serve both the school and the wider community.
“In terms of community outreach, the school will also cater to unrelated events which will greatly contribute to the school’s self-sustainability. And it will serve our neighbouring schools, who also don’t have school halls yet,” he said.
He said schools in the Kuisebmund area often rely on Immanuel Ruiters Primary School and the Kuisebmund community hall for events such as parent meetings and national examinations.
Prime minister Elijah Ngurare attended the gala dinner and delivered the keynote address. Erongo governor Nathalia |Goagoses and chief regional officer Sem Ntelamo also attended.
Maswahu thanked the leaders and the central government for supporting the project.
The Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) pledged N$500 000 during the event, adding to the funds raised.
Maswahu thanked all individuals and organisations that supported the fundraiser.
“For those that supported us before and those that joined (at the fundraiser), and even those who are still thinking of partnering with us, we thank them all in advance. It’s for a good cause. At the end of the day, it’s about the lives of the Namibian children, their dignity and ensuring that we provide the right facilities where they can thrive and improve their academic performances,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the school held its raffle draw, with prizes worth N$85 000.
A married couple from Walvis Bay won the top two prizes. Menette Kuume won the grand prize, a Mazda Demio valued at N$75 000, while her husband, Johannes Kuume, won the second prize, an HP laptop.
The third prize, a Samsung A07 smartphone, was won by Kaarina Akawa.
Prime minister Ngurare and governor |Goagoses drew the winning tickets.
