By: Loise Shiimi
After a video circulated on social media, showcasing learners in a classroom constructed from poles and zinc and affected by rainwater, Twapandula Primary School received N$300,000 from Namport.
The school is located in the Oshivelo Circuit, Oshikoto Region. Founded in 2015, the school began as a kindergarten and has since expanded to serve grades 0 to 7, accommodating 285 learners and nine staff members.
In an interview with The Villager, senior teacher Johannes Ngonga expressed concern that for years, some learners have been taught in classrooms made from poles and zinc.
“Currently, only learners in grades 0 to 4 are taught in properly constructed classrooms, while those in grades 5 to 7 are still in structures made of poles and zinc. We find the use of poles preferable for ventilation, since pure zinc can become excessively hot, making it difficult for learners to concentrate,” he explained.
Ngonga noted that during a heavy downpour in January 2023, rainwater penetrated through the zinc roofing.
“I recorded those videos and shared them with three organisations, seeking assistance. As a teacher, it was heartbreaking to see my learners sitting in mud, yet they showed up for classes every day,” he remarked.
Regarding his request for help, Ngonga mentioned that although they reached out to various organisations, they received no response. However, Namport noticed the circulating video and visited the school a week later.
“Following their visit, in mid-2024, they requested a quotation, promising to construct a block of three classrooms and a storeroom. We provided them with a quotation of over N$500,000, yet they generously offered us N$300,000, for which we are truly grateful,” he said.
While appreciative of the support, Ngonga stated that the school has ongoing needs, including a science laboratory, library, computer lab, staff room, borehole, fencing, and teachers’ housing.
“It is discouraging that despite our efforts to cultivate vegetables and maize in our garden, animals always destroy our crops at night and during holidays. We need a proper fence so that we can maintain our garden like other schools and teach our students how to grow their own food,” he stated.
He further emphasised the necessity of having their own borehole, as they currently share one with the community.
During the Namport gala dinner ceremony last week, Namport Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kanime highlighted that the organisation’s corporate social investment programs align with both national and international strategic goals, such as Namibia’s Vision 2030, NDP 6, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), all aimed at creating a better world for all inhabitants.
“Significant resources have been invested in our communities to enhance the quality of education and healthcare by providing infrastructure, facilities, and resources in public schools and health centers across Namibia,” Kanime stated.
Additionally, he noted that funding has also been directed towards poverty alleviation programs and initiatives designed to promote self-sustainability within communities. To date, the fund has allocated more than N$78 million across all 14 regions, with over N$58.2 million disbursed thus far.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, Namport has allocated N$19 million towards corporate social investment, compared to the average annual allocation of approximately N$3 million in previous years.
In addition to the funding received by Twapandula, other beneficiaries have also been supported, totaling around N$23 million. Kanime encouraged the recipients of this funding to remember the hopes and aspirations of many within the country.
“We do not merely ask that you fulfill your project commitments, we request that you lead with purpose, magnifying the impact of every dollar and cent, ensuring that the lives of those you serve are transformed sustainably,” he stated.
Kanime acknowledged the government’s initiative to establish the Youth Empowerment Fund as a crucial step towards youth development and realising Vision 2030. He announced that Namport would contribute N$5 million to this fund.
