Parents of learners at Augustinus Maashika Secondary School want the construction of the hostel sped up.
The learners currently share space in Ndiyona Combined School, whose hostel was partially gutted by fire last year.
Parents' spokesperson Benedictus Kagho said, "Our hostel got burnt on 01 November 2025. The Directorate of Education for the Kavango East region responded immediately, together with the CRO for the Kavango East Regional Council, to attend to the matter. Promises were made on that day. The office of the governor also sent their representative to collect evidence with the hope of bringing our situation to a rescue, but nothing came after that day. Despite blankets and sheets, dining utensils, matrasses and beds. The Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare, with his team, during his visit last year, came by; a meeting was held, and he promised to avail resources to revamp our hostel. But since then nothing was done."
Currently, Ndiyona Hostel does not have the capacity to accommodate all learners.
"We are frequently experiencing learners being admitted to hospital due to cardiac-related problems. There is a very shortage of accommodation for our children compared to when it was not yet damaged by fire."
Parents are calling on the Ministry of Education to act, or they will shut down the burnt hostel in January.
"What the Ministry must expect. No registrations of borders will take place next year, January 2027, at Ndiyona Hostel if there will be no renovations done by then. The hostel will be closed due to the current situation until service is provided."
They said teaching and learning are no longer taking place as they were before.
"Due to this situation our children are exposed to rental accommodation in which they have no option but to accept whatever they may be exposed to. A girl-child is the one who is dangerously exposed, particularly to alcohol and sexual abuse."
The NBC visited the Augustinus Maashika Secondary School site, where construction is underway.
The parents' petition was handed to Ndiyona Councillor Laurentius Mukoya, who promised to forward it to the relevant offices.