When it comes to education, the Social Security Commission (SSC) is dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower communities, especially those in rural areas.
These were the comments made by the Chief Executive Officer, Milka Mungunda, during the handover ceremony of a two-classroom block to Omalago Primary School in the Omusati Region.
Omalago Junior Primary School was established in 1993, catering to Grades one to four.
Initially, the school had only two classrooms, and in response, parents stepped in and erected corrugated iron sheet classrooms.
In 2015, the school was expanded to include Grade seven, completing the primary education phase.
As the student population grew, the need for additional classrooms became evident. The Omalago community constructed two more classrooms, which unfortunately became overcrowded and unsuitable for learning.
Consequently, teachers were compelled to conduct lessons under the shade of trees.
The school started fundraising efforts to build new classrooms, and the Social Security Commission contributed approximately one hundred thousand dollars. This funding was used to construct two fully furnished classrooms and a storage room.
This project aimed not only to construct new structures but also to establish a foundation for improved education, greater opportunities, and a better future for the 90 learners who will be taught in these well-equipped classrooms.
Currently, there are four thousand permanent classrooms and four hundred temporary classrooms in the Omusati Region.
Mateus Anuwa, the Chief Education Officer in Omusati, highlights the challenge of aging classrooms in many schools that were built in the 1970s.
The region requires an additional 90 classrooms annually.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture commended the Social Security Commission for its generous support.
"This project represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the educational environment and available resources for our children. We deeply appreciate the generosity and commitment to education shown by our donors, community leaders, and everyone involved."