Allexer Namundjembo
Student bodies have welcomed the government’s decision to officially recognise Ndama East Primary School in Kavango East.
On Friday, prime minister Elijah Ngurare and minister of education Sanet Steenkamp visited the school, where it was formally declared legal.
The government also announced an infrastructure development project that will include 25 new classrooms, an administration block, two ablution facilities, and a perimeter fence.
Temporary shelters will be provided before construction begins next yetar.
Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) spokesperson Jessy Abraham said the announcement validates what communities have long fought for.
“Nanso has always maintained that community-established schools are legitimate institutions born out of necessity, not illegality,” Abraham said.
She noted that during the organisation’s access to education campaign in 2024, Nanso witnessed the dedication of community members who created the school to secure children’s right to education.
“These schools emerged as direct responses to chronic school shortages in regions such as Kavango East, Kavango West, Zambezi, Omusati, and Oshikoto. The communities didn’t wait for permission; they acted decisively to secure their children’s right to education,” she said.
Abraham called on the government to speed up recognition of other community-established schools and warned that temporary solutions should not become permanent.
The Student Union of Namibia (SUN) also welcomed the decision but criticised delays.
SUN secretary for information Johannes Malapi said the recognition comes too late for the 550 learners and 14 teachers who endured harsh conditions.
“Our concern is not recognition on paper but the reality on the ground. Children continue to lack proper classrooms, and teachers continue to endure degrading working conditions, he stated.
Malapi urged the ministry of education to identify other schools in similar circumstances and mobilise resources, adding that rural education continues to face systemic neglect.
The National African Students’ Association (Nasa) spokesperson Mich Muatuli applauded the move.
“We applaud the government’s move and the tireless efforts of the community advocating for the school’s recognition. This is a step toward addressing the pressing need for access to education in the region,” he said.
Earlier this month, Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda visited Ndama East and reported finding more than 500 learners being taught under trees without water, materials, or toilets. He raised the matter in parliament and pledged to assist the community.
