From humble beginnings under a tree in 1978 to a combined school of 620 learners, Namavambi Combined School continues to persevere despite facing challenges.
This emerged during a recent visit by Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo.
At Namavambi Sub A and Sub B, learners were taught under a tree until the school received its first permanent structure in 1986, which was upgraded to Grade 10 in 2010, and in 2013, it was renovated and constructed with classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a science laboratory and teachers' houses.
Currently, the school offers classes from pre-primary to Grade 11 with 24 teachers, including the principal.
Despite the progress, the school faces several challenges, as principal Johana Amunime explains, "Brownish water, which is really affecting our health because it contains a lot of impurities. Secondly, sanitation facilities are inadequate and require improvement. Currently, we have only four pit latrines for all the girls at school and four for the boys. Good sanitation is important for the health, safety, and dignity of our lenders. We also have lenders who come from child-headed households and face difficult circumstances at home. In addition, some of our lenders travel long distances to attend school, which can affect their attendance, punctuality, and learning. If the school will be given a hostel, all the learners will be accommodated in that hostel. As we are talking, our Grade 11s are here camping just because we don't have a hostel, so we only accommodated them in the classrooms for the preparation of national examinations."
Other challenges include a shortage of desks and chairs, limited teaching and learning resources such as computers and ICT equipment, and limited land for sports activities, which restricts learners from fully participating in sport.
As a technical school, it offers subjects such as Design and Technology, Technical Drawing, Technical Studies and Woodwork.
The school noted that it uses its own skills to produce items, including the podium used at the school, and can repair its own desk frames if provided with materials.
"Namibia cannot develop without educated, skilled, healthy, and responsible young people. Therefore, when you attend school, acquire a practical skill, protect your future, and use your talents productively. You are contributing to the development of Tondoro Confluency, Namavambi Combined School in Kavango West, as well as our mighty Namibia. Every time you attend class, complete an assignment, read a book, or ask for help, you are building your future. Every time you refuse peer pressure and try again after a disappointing result, you are strengthening yourself," said Kavango West Governor, Verna Sinimbo.
Governor Sinimbo pledged to sponsor the school with two computers and, at the same time, donate five boxes of photocopy papers and 25 fruit trees to be planted at the school.