Stationary stores in Otjiwarongo are packed as parents busy themselves with back-to-school shopping. Stationery lists, some say, require them to dig deep into their pockets.

While last-minute shoppers wait for the last day of shopping before schools reopen, others are making sure they have everything printed on their schools' stationary lists.

Benhard Anghuwo, a resident of Otjiwarongo, says, "We have quite a long list of things that we have to buy for the kids who are going to school. I have a lot of kids under my care, and currently I am just buying here. This is my fourth time coming here, and every time I come, the queue is very long.

"We have saved up with Nampost, so it's better. As you can see, my wife is busy in the queue. I am just going to pay, so I think it's just preparations because I've been saving for the whole year, so we are not really struggling. Maybe it's just with the school funds," says Otjiwarongo resident Timoteus Ngiyamene.

School uniforms are another item in need right now.

Started by life coach Sidney Boois, the '4x4 Initiative' supports men who lack the means to provide their children with school uniforms and shoes. 

"Men are in difficult situations, but sometimes they take it alone. Even when school starts at the beginning of the year, many men are not able to afford to take their kids back to school just because of school items. If a man is stuck, the 4x4 says, Let's support another man."

Daniel Mouton, a champion of the 4*4 Initiative, says, "I would like to appeal to businessmen in the community who would like to contribute to this project; they can do so; our office is just down in Banhof Street; they can come there; I am the champion; we will have a cartoon box; and the shoes will be given through the Education Ministry."

Mouton says if Namibians help the less privileged, more children will be provided for and more will live with hope.

Stores say they stocked up to ensure items typically on schools' stationary lists are available.