Since its founding 71 years ago, the Pionier Boys' School in Windhoek has evolved from a small special-needs institution into a centre for both academic and vocational training for boys with learning difficulties in Namibia.
In an effort to support the school, Otanaka Fishing donated a two-post hoist towards its vocational training.
Pionier Boys' School Principal Brian Ndabeni said the school has been experiencing difficulties upgrading its workshops due to financial constraints and thanked the donors.
"Over the years, we have struggled with the need to upgrade our different workshops, due to financial lack and budget constraints. it has been quite a challenge, but now we thank Otonaka Fishing Limited, that the challenge has been met with a solution that exceeds our expectations," he said.
Speaking at the event, Otanaka Fishing Deputy Board Chairperson Vetaruhe Kandorozu highlighted the importance of vocational training education and the need to create awareness.
"We are here at Pionier Boy School and only for one reason and for one purpose, which is to bring change, to create awareness and to encourage participation of our learners into vocational training education.
"This industry, this trade have been neglected, have been regarded as a trade for rejects, has been treaded as trade that does not make money but all those speculations are in vain. I am here with this dress because of an artisan a person who went through a vocational training center. So we are here today because of artisans," he said.
A motor mechanic instructor, Pendapala Sheelongo, highlighted the importance of the hoist to his trainees.
"Is a big upgrade that will expose our trainees to the real world of work out there, this is the relevant for the industry. The industry out there is using this machines, so for them to be trained on it, it will help them to get employment cause that was the goal to do it and foster economic empowerment to create their own jobs and confidents.
"The machine they work on are making them very confident. Safety if stops going under the car with normal jack sliding under the car than anytime it can fall. Now there's that one that can stand and do all the inspections. It's a big upgrade," he noted.