A rural school in Utokota village, in the Mashare Constituency of the Kavango East Region, has received a major upgrade following an N$1.4 million donation from shareholders of Ehanga Holdings.
The donation includes a three-classroom block and sanitation facilities, replacing makeshift corrugated-iron structures where learners previously attended classes.
Ehanga Holdings representative Karl ||Gowaseb said he was moved by the poor learning conditions during his first visit to the school.
He then mobilised fellow shareholders, many of them pensioners, to support the community.
"I represent about 22 old people who are the shareholders of this company, of whom I normally convince them to share whatever little they have in terms of dividends so that we can reinvest in communities. So you are actually blessed by pensioners who are giving up part of their dividends."
Mashare Constituency Councillor Petrus Kashumali welcomed the donation, urging businesses to complement government efforts in education.
"Our business people wherever they are and whatever business they are doing, if they give something to education, be it classrooms like Ehanga did or even chairs and desks at the school, they are doing the right thing."
The school is named after Aloys Mukuve Hashipara, recognised as a pioneering educator from the Vashambyu community who promoted literacy in the Kavango region.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Dino Ballotti, praised the contribution, saying education remains key to opening opportunities for young people.
"He was the very first 19-year-old teacher in this region to attain a teaching qualification. It is inspiring to these young people that are here this morning. And I want to agree with you, Mr. Michael. Thank you. I want to agree with you when you said that education is one of the greatest assets that one can have. And that knowledge will open many doors. And I can always say I am a testimony to that."
The deputy minister also inaugurated Dr. Herbert Diaz Ndango Secondary School and Ndama South Primary School in Rundu. Both were built by the Education Ministry to address growing demand for classroom space.