The |Khomas Regional Council has committed over N$4 million for projects within the education sector in the |Khomas Region for the 2023–2024 financial year.
These funds are to be utilised in the construction and renovation of school facilities and in the procurement of educational materials.
The council is currently constructing four modular classrooms and procuring desks, chairs, and chalkboards at West Monte Secondary School for N$1.65 million.
The council is also renovating four blocks of classrooms at AI Steenkamp Primary School, at a total cost of close to N$675,000.
"Council has also procured stoves, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils for the Moses ||Garoëb Primary School as well as the English Primary School Soup Kitchens at a total cost of N$184,444.20. Furthermore, the Council is finalising the procurement of gas cylinders plus connection accessories for the two kitchens to be ready for usage before the end of January 2024," explained Shaalukeni Moonde, the Chairperson of |Khomas Regional Council.
Meanwhile, at Acacia High School, the Council awaits delivery of laboratory equipment from suppliers by the end of February. That comes with a price tag of over N$211,000.
"The council is in the process of procuring textbooks to reduce the current ratio of learners to textbooks from 1:4 at a total cost of N$2.1 million. It is anticipated that the book will be handed over to schools in the region by the end of March 2024."
The regional council also assisted 110 NAMCOL students in upgrading their Grade 11 and 12 results, an initiative that cost N$148,000 last year.
This programme is to be implemented on a yearly basis.
"Furthermore, the Council assisted 76 students studying at accredited high institutions of learning with a combined registration fee amounting to N$ 219,951.00. Plans are made for the next few years to provide registration grants to the learners from our region who experienced a shortage of funds to register at accredited high institutions of learning in the country."
"Our recent education performance is one of the rewards for our mentioned sacrifices, and that's why I proudly congratulate our education fraternity, all regional stakeholders, trusted and reliable development partners, and the |Khomas community at large for this commendable improvement from 2022 third place to 2024 first place," said |Khomas Governor, Laura McLeod-Katjirua.