The German-based Werner Erkes Foundation has committed to investing N$20 million each year in education projects in Namibia.
This was revealed by Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp at the inauguration of the N$25 million Horizon Primary School in Swakopmund's DRC informal settlement.
Dr. Steenkamp said the school demonstrates how partnerships can expand access to quality education for vulnerable children while addressing broader social challenges.
The school was constructed by Tangeni Shilongo Namibia with funding from the Werner Erkes Foundation and replaced container classrooms that served learners in the DRC community for more than 20 years.
The facility now offers modern classrooms, a library, a hall, a kitchen, and learner support services.
It currently accommodates 134 learners from Grades 1 to 5 and plans to expand to Grade 7.
Learners also receive daily meals, tutoring, healthcare, uniforms, and access to extracurricular activities.
Dr. Steenkamp explained.“We have now started with the admissions. It clearly spells out awareness raising so that everyone is ready to understand the processes that need to be followed, the timeline, and everything that has an impact. We already have 99 schools; then we have 56 of them being public in the Erongo Region.”
The construction of a N$26 million secondary school as well as a N$27 million primary school for the DRC area are also underway.
Werner Erkes Foundation's Managing Director Peter von Heyking promised to invest more in education.
“It is a place where what is means what could be; today's gathering also shows the remarkable developments of Tangi Shilongo Namibia. In fact, it has expanded into new initiatives and projects. What started with managing a school project in this township grew into a graded and open-door scholarship programme in the open-door education center in 2024 not far from here.”
Founder of Tangeni Shilongo Namibia, Volkan Sazli also expressed his appreciation to the community.
“I came to the DRC community, and I lost my heart here. I met children with dreams, bigger than their circumstances. I met young people with incredible talents and potential. I met families facing enormous challenges but showing remarkable strength in resilience.
The school principal, Elise Hangula, said the inauguration marked the culmination of a vision that began more than two decades ago through the DRC School Project and Community Centre.
“Today we stand on the same ground of the community project that we wanted and is now transformed into a primary school, dedicated to expanding opportunity for the future generations that remind us that great things often come from humble beginnings.”