The Namibia Fish Consumption and Promotion Trust (NFCPT) has committed more than N$2 million to the construction of Ekondjo Primary School in the Ncamagoro Constituency of the Kavango West Region.

Students from grades 5 to 7 have been learning under trees for years, which is not an ideal learning environment. 

The Namibia Fish Consumption and Promotion Trust Chairperson, Susan Ndjaleka, said that is the reason they decided to step in to resolve the issue.

"I am pleased to report that the facility we are inaugurating today, right here at Ekondjo Primary School, represents a N$2.4 million investment. This development comprises four classrooms with a storeroom and an administration block featuring a master office, strong room, reception area, office space, staff room, and ablution facilities."

Speaking on behalf of the Director of Education, Deputy Director Ester Karondo said the donated facilities will improve the learning environment, leading to better performance. 

The new classrooms will create a safe and conducive environment that we all desire, providing our learners with an enabling space for effective teaching and learning. Today, we, the community of Ekondjo, teachers and learners alike, are expressing our gratitude for receiving this donation, but we also want to know what the expectations are after receiving it. So the expectation is to maintain these buildings."

While delivering the governor's speech, the chairperson of the Kavango West Regional Council, Joseph Sikongo, said the regional leadership is open to working with stakeholders to bring positive change to the region. 

"As a regional government, we stand ready to work hand in hand with like-minded institutions such as the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust to ensure no child is left behind, be it in the classroom, on the playground, or in accessing nutritious food."

The school's principal, Reinhold Mutighoma, said the suffering and running around, especially during the rainy season, are now things of the past.

"Previously, our learners were receiving lessons under the tree. So as you can see, the population is very big, and we did not have enough classes. So many times, lessons have to be conducted under the tree, so when it starts raining, a lesson has to be stopped for us to find another shelter in another classroom."

Ekondjo Primary School accommodates 400 learners and employs 21 staff members.