Otjomuru Combined School has been renamed after Dr. Libertina Amathila, the former Deputy Prime Minister in her honour for the role she played in the upliftment of the Otjomuru Village in the Epupa Constituency.
Established 22 years ago at Olau Village, Otjomuru Combined School started with 23 learners and one teacher, with classes conducted in a tent.
In 2008, the school was relocated to Otjomuru Village on a permanent basis, catering to Grades 1 to 5 then.
Dr. Libertine Amathila became aware of the school in 2013 when her office was tasked with running a special programme for marginalized communities under the Office of the Prime Minister.
It left enough of an impression, that when Dr. Amathila retired, she embarked on philanthropical work at Otjomuru Village and at the school.
The school's principal Anna Tjazapi, says the school today accommodates close to 300 learners, from Grades 0 to 9.
"She completed this hostel with all the necessary things that are supposed to be there like bed, matrasses, beddings, blankets, everything up to the lockers and cutleries and plates and everything in the kitchen for every learner."
The Deputy Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare Bernadette Jagger during the renaming ceremony said the moment was meant to give prominence to the name of Dr. Amathila - for the role she played in helping to develop Otjomuru.
"And I can tell you all the developments that you see here today, were initiated and planned by a doctor and it is not for nothing that they say she was a good planner."
Jagger praised Amadhila for putting in her remarkable work, without seeking out prominence, payment, or praise in return.
"Doctor donated her time, energy, skills, money, talent, and experience to help the marginalized communities and in particular the Namibian children in this part of Kunene Region to get educated. Dr. Libertina Amathila never did this philanthropical work for fame or recognition, she never did what you heard about and what you see here today for people to praise her. The people of this country lie close to the heart of the doctor."
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Amathila, Granddaughter Liberty Appolus confirmed her grandmother's fondness for Otjomuru, appreciating the gesture of the school's renaming in her honor.
"I must mention that this village Otjomuru amongst the other villages really stuck to her heart and blood the kindness of people here because they are hardworking people, therefore, she and her development partners started to invest more in the infrastructural development of this village, as you can see Otjomuru is a fully functional village with all the needed amenities, including access to main electricity grid connection."