Namibia's water utility, NamWater, has donated essential stationery to at least 15 schools in the Kavango East Region.
This will help address the shortage of teaching and learning materials and improve learners's performance at the schools.
The schools that benefitted from NamWater's gesture are Likwaterera Senior Primary School, Kambowo Junior Primary School, Cove Junior Primary School, Rebeca Kambundu Primary School, Siguruguru Primary School, Shamangorwa Combined School, Shinyungwe Combined School, Omega Combined School, Shamunaro Primary School, Dithimba Primary School, Muthinduko Senior Primary School, and Ndiyona Combined School.
The Chief Executive Officer of NamWater, Abraham Nehemia, hopes that the exercise will improve education outcomes.
"The statistics from the Namibia multidimensional poverty index reveal that our rural areas are in great need, with a poverty index rate of 59.03 percent, which profoundly impacts the lives of many families, most importantly the education of our children. At NamWater, we firmly believe in the transformative power of education and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of our society."
For the next five years, NamWater will provide text books and other stationery, ICT and infrastructure development, psychological support, school uniforms, and support for extracurricular activities.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, the principal of Likwaterera Senior Primary School, Efraim Chakula, says poverty is one of the contributing factors to learners' low academic performance.
"The impact of this support reaches far beyond our immediate needs. When children do not have to worry about where their next meal will come from or how they will get school stationery, they can focus on what truly matters: their education. It is difficult to concentrate in class or study effectively when hunger or other challenges cloud their minds."
The Deputy Director of Education of the Kavango East Region, Asser Kandere, commended NamWater for its act of kindness.
"In an age where education is more vital than ever, the donation NamWater has provided to our learners can make a world of difference. This donation is very instrumental in nurturing curiosity, enhancing creativity, and fostering a joy of learning amongst learners."