21 learners at Udjombala Secondary School in the Ohangwena Region are stranded at the school due to surrounding floodplains. The learners, from distant villages, began camping at the school on the 9th of this month for safety.  

School principal Fillipine Hauwanga reported late arrivals and absenteeism, which were traced to difficulties crossing flooded areas. A total of 81 learners are affected, with some staying in nearby homes on higher ground.  

21 learners are temporarily housed in extra classrooms, sleeping on the floor and sharing mattresses. Parents contribute food, supplemented by donations from the Engela Constituency Councillor, but supplies remain insufficient.  

"All these food items available here were raised through parents' contributions and a little of what we got from our councillor for the Engela constituency; that is the little we have to feed 21 learners for a period that is only known by the almighty," said Hauwanga.  

Parents volunteer to cook, but meals lack relish, and learners say they are unsatisfied. Hauwanga appealed for hostel facilities to address long commutes and improve attendance, especially for Angolan learners who face harsh conditions.  

"We have so many learners that come from Angola, plus or minus 20 learners from Angola, and they commute every day in harsh conditions. It could also be a contributing factor to learners' poor attendance because learners end up absenting themselves. We really recommend our government could do us that favour to provide us with a hostel; a hostel could not be a 100% solution to school performance, but it could boost the performance of the school," she added.  

Udjombala Secondary School has 271 learners from grades eight to 11.