More than 600 Zambezi pupils to be accommodated by Chinese donation

The Chinese government donated state-of-the art hostels that have the capacity to accommodate over 688 pupils at two rural schools in the Zambezi region.

Masokotwani Combined School and Liselo Combined School have become the latest beneficiaries of China’s Agency for International Economic Cooperation. At each school, additional facilities such as kitchens, dining halls, multi-purpose halls, administration blocks, nine classrooms, science labs, computer labs, libraries, ablution blocks, and upgraded sport grounds were constructed.

Pupils enrolled in these schools walk more than 10 kilometres to get to and from school, while others rent makeshift shelters nearby just to be closer to the schools.

Minister of education, arts, and culture Anna Nghipondoka officially inaugurated these facilities yesterday, and highlighted that the ministry is on a mission to ensure that they provide inclusive, quality education.

She said as a result of their commitment, they have come up with an Accelerated Infrastructure Development Plan, which identifies the immediate infrastructural needs required to maintain low pupil-to-teacher ratios, reduce travel distances, and address the needs of hostels.

“By providing these essential resources, we are addressing the critical issues of accessibility and retention. Our pupils will no longer have to endure long, exhausting journeys to and from school, and our teachers will find greater stability and support in their roles. Furthermore, this will reduce dropout rates and enhance teacher retention, which are factors that are vital for a thriving education system,” she said.

Nghipondoka thanked the Chinese government for their invaluable support in fulfilling Namibia’s socio-economic agenda.

China’s ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, applauded Namibia’s leaders for making education a key priority in national development, saying that they are pleased to be part of the country’s efforts in improving the educational infrastructure.

“We are determined to do more in the years to come to help Namibia build more schools. Actually, China is ready to cooperate with Namibia in all the aspects of education,” he said.