Some Grade 8 learners at Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School in the Kavango West Region are writing their final examinations without proper chairs or desks, forcing them to stand or sit on broken furniture.

The situation has angered community members. Residents who spoke to Nampa on condition of anonymity expressed their frustration with the conditions under which the learners are writing their exams.

“It feels a little like child abuse, having these learners stand or bend over for an hour or more. The school’s management can do better,” one community member said.

In October, Nampa reported that the school was facing a severe shortage of desks and chairs, particularly for Grades 1 to 8, as well as for teachers.

Many learners were seen sitting on broken chairs propped up with bricks, using bricks as desks, sitting on old cupboards, standing throughout the day, or kneeling and sitting on bare floors.

A teacher interviewed in October, Nietz Mnangagwa, explained that the shortage has worsened this year. He noted that although the principal only assumed duty in July, he was fully aware of the problem.

Principal Sebedeus Sihungu told this agency at the time that the school had surrendered approximately 797 broken chair frames for repair in Mpungu.

The school expected to receive the same number of repaired chairs, along with 149 desks, within two weeks.

However, the shortage persists.

Kavango West Regional Education Director Pontianus Musore told Nampa on Thursday night that 100 repaired chairs have since been returned, with more expected on Friday.