The Deputy Minister of the Division Marginalised Communities, Royal |Ui|o|oo, says education remains number one on the advocacy agenda.
This is because the literacy level remains below average among marginalised communities compared to other citizens.
He made the remarks at the inauguration of the Tsumkwe Early Childhood Development Centre last Friday.
The 2000 National Policy Options for the Educationally Marginalised Children found that San children were left behind and risked being economically disadvantaged in the future.
"This office, under its vast mandate, recognises education as a long-term strategy and a sustainable solution in ensuring the demarginalization of the most impoverished communities in Namibia, said |Ui|o|oo.
The ECD at Tsumkwe is the second of its kind donated by the Palms for Life in Tsumkwe and the tenth to be built for indigenous minorities in the country.
The Deputy Minister encourages an ownership approach by all stakeholders to improve education outcomes and create a better learning environment.
The Board President of Palms for Life Fund, Naama Laufer, wants the children well taken care of, to be served food every day, including breakfast and a hot meal at lunch at the ECD.
"At Palms for Life, we share with you, the parents and educators of these young children, their dreams. We all want the best for our children, for them to grow, thrive, and access all the good things that life can offer. We all want our children to learn, grow, and be loved. To access food that they need to be healthy."
The new facility will allow more than 120 children to access age-appropriate education and stimulation. Six teachers, selected among youths from Tsumkwe, have received Montessori teacher training.
Otjozondjupa Governor, James Uerikua, expressed his appreciation to the Palms for Life for their contributions towards the betterment of indigenous communities.
"This is your own facility, as the people, because your own children will be in this school. Your own children, as you are sitting here, will be here. You are all duty-bound to safely keep this facility and jealously guard it to the extent that you can use it for a longer time."
The centre, which is fully equipped with solar power, and built for N$4.2 million, is a high-quality facility that lays the foundation for the children's future.