Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda has played a central role in bringing urgent attention to the plight of learners in Kavango East schools.
Amupanda first visited Ndama Primary school after receiving a tip-off from an AR activist, where he discovered children being taught under trees and makeshift classrooms. He later raised the matter in Parliament, but his concerns were initially dismissed by Minister of Education Sanet Steenkamp, who argued that the school was not formally recognized and advised learners to attend nearby schools.
This response angered residents of Ndama and led to a peaceful protest, where they called for President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s intervention.
Following these developments, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare visited Ndama East Primary School today and announced that government will construct a new school starting next year.
The project will feature at least 25 permanent classrooms and will be supported with essential services such as water supply, electricity, and road access. As an immediate measure, the Ministry of Education will provide tents to ensure that learners study in a safer environment while waiting for the new facilities.
Ngurare stressed that the new infrastructure will significantly improve access to quality education for the more than 500 learners currently studying under difficult conditions. Once the school is completed, teaching posts will be advertised, and qualified teachers will be recruited.
During the protests, Amupanda also shared images of learners at Ngcove Junior Primary School in Kavango East, highlighting their equally dire situation. Despite being registered in 2019 and serving over 400 children, the school has operated without basic facilities such as water, toilets, or proper classrooms.
Addressing this issue, Minister Steenkamp confirmed today in Rundu that N$1 million has been allocated to urgently improve sanitation facilities at Ngcove Junior Primary School.
