By: Annakleta Haikera
Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) has invested N$5.9 million in education infrastructure to improve learning conditions in rural schools across the Kavango West Region.
On Friday, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines, Industrialisation and Energy, Natagwe Ithete, through a speech relayed by National Council chairperson, Lukas Muha, officiated the handover of newly-constructed classroom blocks and water tanks.
The donation includes three classroom blocks, each comprising four classrooms and a storeroom, benefitting Hamweyi, Sitenda, and Ekondjo Primary Schools.
In addition, Kasivi and Ncaute Primary Schools each received a 10,000-litre water tank to enhance sanitation and support school gardens.
Muha commended NAMDIA for aligning its corporate social investment with government priorities under Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6), adding that education remains central to Namibia’s development.
“I will continue urging enterprises under my ministry to invest meaningfully in educational infrastructure, especially in rural areas. These new classrooms and water tanks will reduce overcrowding, improve learning conditions, and ensure access to clean water for our learners,” Muha read.
Muha also highlighted that NAMDIA has shown that true corporate success includes giving back to the community.
“Let this project inspire others to follow suit so that no Namibian child is left behind. Together, we are building a better Namibia for all,” he concluded.
Acting NAMDIA CEO, Lelly Usiku, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to reinvesting diamond proceeds into Namibian communities.
“We believe that the diamonds we sell should uplift all communities and all Namibian people,” Usiku stated.
She described the initiative as a “tangible demonstration of natural resource beneficiation in action,” adding that such investments would help reduce overcrowding, improve learning quality, and promote hygiene in rural schools.
“The responsibility of ensuring that every Namibian child has access to equitable and quality education cannot rest on government alone. We must all play a role,” Usiku noted.
The principals of the schools welcomed the donation, saying it has brought relief to both teachers and learners who have been struggling with overcrowded and temporary classrooms.
Sitenda Primary School principal, Theresia Kantema, said the new classrooms will provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for learners who were previously being taught under trees and iron sheet structures.
“For years, our learners endured harsh weather conditions – heat, wind, and rain – and this building marks a turning point in their education. We are deeply grateful to NAMDIA for restoring hope in our community,” Kantema said.
Ekondjo Primary School head, Reinhold Mutighoma, expressed appreciation to the government and NAMDIA, saying the donation would boost teacher morale and improve learners’ performance.
“Teachers are now more motivated because they can conduct lessons effectively without distractions. When learners feel valued, they perform better,” he indicated.
Hamweyi Primary School principal, Engeldraud Namwira, said the new block will ease overcrowding and ensure every learner has aaccess to a desk and conducive learning space.
“This development will go a long way in improving education outcomes. We promise to take care of these facilities and make sure they benefit generations to come,” she remarked.
The principals also called on parents and the wider community to support the schools by maintaining the new infrastructure and encouraging children to value their education.
The project began in 2023 after consultations between the Ministry of Mines and Energy, regional education authorities, and local communities identified rural schools in need of adequate infrastructure.
Many of these schools had learners attending classes under trees or in overcrowded makeshift shelters.
NAMDIA reportedly aims to continue enhancing rural education quality, reducing overcrowding, and creating a safe and conducive learning environment for Namibian children.
