Namagra warms Karibib hearts

A donation of 40 units of double table-and-chair combination furniture valued at over N$100 000, will ensure that 80 learners can now be seated comfortably and properly while attending class at Karibib Primary School (KPS).

Two classrooms each accommodate 20 of these double table-and-chairs, which seats 40 learners.

Jaco de Jager, the general manager of Namagra (Namibia Marble and Granite) who handed over the furniture, said that it is a small contribution in terms of what still needs to be done.

“Karibib is a mining town with extreme levels of poverty. Many of our children lack access to a proper education system due to financial circumstances.

“We are challenging other companies to emulate us and to plough back into the youth, because that’s where the future lies.”

According to De Jager, witnessing the difference this donation makes to the learners and school staff is enough reward itself.

“It’s sad to observe the state of some of the facilities at our schools. The government does not always have a clear picture of what’s happening on the ground. Roofs are damaged, windows are broken, there’s a lack of classrooms, tables and chairs.

“Despite this, children still turn up for school. This motivated us to start somewhere.”

He gave the assurance that Namagra will walk a path with KSS as the roof of the school also needs serious attention.

“It is not always easy to hand over money. We have come to realise over the years that it’s better to upgrade existing facilities and improve standards overall.”

Bernice Horases, the deputy head girl and a member of the junior regional council, thanked Namagra on behalf of the learners and staff of the school.

“Education is valuable for building a bright future for Namibia. We appreciate this donation. This kind of support is very valuable and will allow us to reach for the top.”

CONSTRAINTS

Engelhard Uirab, the inspector of education for the Omaruru Circuit who attended the handing-over ceremony, admitted that schools are overloaded and struggling due to budgetary constraints.

“We have to provide free education. Barriers have been removed and as a regional office we are challenged simply because we do not have the budgetary means to support all the schools.”

He said although the ministry promised to provide furniture to all schools, it is not always able to do so.

“Some schools have grown by about 200 learners and there are not enough classrooms to accommodate all these learners. We need to mobilise the support of the corporate world and ensure that they meet the government halfway.”

Uirab pointed out that Friends of Education was launched as a special initiative by the former minister of education Katrina Hanse-Himarwa to allow corporates to come on board as partners of education and support the calls of the education ministry.

“Namagra is one of many that heeded this call and we thank them on behalf of the region and the directorate of education. We wholeheartedly welcome this gesture and we appreciate it as it comes in handy.”

Uirab urged the learners and LRC in particular to look after the donated items so that it can be utilised for years to come.

Namagra, a fully Namibian owned marble processing and exporting mining company, celebrated its 35th anniversary in April.

The company – whose motto is “Tackle issues and deal with them” – employs 35 staff and impacts the lives of an estimated 200 community members in Karibib.

The company already has a rich social responsibility background since its establishment and previously revamped the ablution block at Ebenhaeser Primary School.