Fifty learners from Cause Primary School in the Kavango West Region have benefited from a school uniform donation by the University of Namibia's Rundu Campus.
The project aims to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The five-year project, initiated in 2024 by a team of academic and administrative staff members from the University of Namibia's Rundu Campus under the leadership of Dr. Charity Ausiku, targets primary schools in the Kavango East and Kavango West regions. It recognises the importance of supporting children during their foundational years of education.
Dr Ausiku explained that the initiative was inspired by observations made by UNAM staff during school-based study visits in the two regions, where they noted that some learners attend school without complete uniforms due to financial constraints at home.
"When learners wear the same uniform, the visible differences between those who have more and those who have less are reduced. Our concept note identifies several objectives for this initiative: restoring learners' dignity, improving learner retention, contributing towards improved academic performance, reducing bullying and mockery and restoring learners' confidence. These objectives are also connected to the broader sustainable development goals, particularly SDG1, sustainable development goal number one, on ending poverty, and SDG4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting long-life learning opportunities for all."
Cause Primary School Principal Ester Kandjimi highlighted the importance of appropriate school uniforms in creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
"This may seem a simple gift to you, but to our learners it means so much. It will give them dignity, confidence and greater sense of belonging. Your kindness reminds us that when we come together and support one another, we can make a real difference in the lives of our children."
The school is located in a rural area where many families face economic challenges, making such support essential for learner retention and participation.
The donated items include 50 pairs of school shoes, 50 school uniform shirts, 50 pairs of socks, 18 skirts and 32 pairs of trousers.
"On behalf of all the learners, we say, 'Thank you very much.' We promise you promise to take care of these uniforms and to study hard to make you proud. "May God bless you for the generosity," expressed learner Maria Hamutenya.
Cause Primary School was established in 2016 and currently has 223 learners from Grade 0 to Grade 7, taught by nine teachers, including the principal.