Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated a more than N$106 million state-of-the-art hostel at Schuckmansburg Combined School in the Zambezi Region on Friday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the hostel is a testament to the government's commitment to the future of the Namibian child and the advancement of education in the country.
The Vice President noted that the hostel would allow the learners to devote enough time to their academic pursuits, reducing long distances they otherwise would have to travel to school, and help them avoid the impact of accompanying environmental challenges.
In providing accommodation to learners, she said the government means to eliminate the barriers that lead to school dropouts, ensuring higher retention and better completion rates.
"We are all aware that the Zambezi Region faces unique challenges, including flood-prone areas that can disrupt school activities and impact the education of our children. The construction of this hostel at Luhonono directly addresses these challenges, creating a stable and secure environment where learning can thrive, even in the face of natural disaster."
The Vice President urged residents of Luhonono, including learners, to take pride in the new facilities and recognise its function as bringing services closer to those in the most remote areas of Namibia.
Nandi-Ndaitwah thanked the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture, as well as that of Works and Transport, Defence and Veterans Affairs, and the National Planning Commission, all for persevering to see the project brought to fruition.
"I am well aware of the recommendations put forth during the Ministry of Education, Arts & Culture's 2022 National Conference on Education and the subsequent Implementation Plan (2023-2030). This roadmap is designed to transform education in Namibia, with a significant focus on accelerating education infrastructure development. I assure you that this is not merely the vision of the Ministry; it is a vision that has been embraced by the Government of the Republic of Namibia and supported through our Cabinet's approval, funding, and dedicated project management."
Education, Arts, and Culture Minister, Anna Nghipondoka, said she was happy that the completion of the hostel, under challenging circumstances, would restore dignity and hope to the Namibian child.
"As I reflect on my visit to this school in 2021, my heart was heavy when I saw six-year-old children living in makeshift accommodations without adult supervision. It was a moment that moved me deeply, as a minister and as a mother. This experience ignited a fierce determination within me to prioritise the needs of the children of Schukmansburg and ensure they receive the protection and comfort they deserve."
The idea for Shuckmansburg Hostel at Luhonono in Kabbe South was first brought up in 2016, initially facing delays and challenges in its completion, including termination of the construction contract.
In September 2022, the site was handed over to a new contractor, August 26, who completed construction within two years.