By: Loise Shiimi
The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) has provided Eluwa Special School with agricultural materials valued at N$17,800.
The handover took place on Friday at Agra in Ondangwa, Oshana Region.
The donation includes seeds for onions, tomatoes, carrots, and Swiss chard, along with equipment such as drip tape connectors, drip pipes, fertilisers, a water pressure pump, and other related items.
The Northern Manager at AgriBank, Etuhole Ingo, stated that the sponsorship comes as a result of the school approaching them. Said sponsorship aims to support and expand the school’s garden, thereby enhancing food security.
“Our goal is to make a positive impact on the special learners and improve their garden so they can produce more food and learn about the food production process,” she stated.
Eluwa established its garden in 2024, where students cultivate various vegetables, including onions, spinach, and carrots, in addition to fruit trees like mangoes and guavas.
In 2024 and 2025, the school enjoyed a substantial harvest, allowing students to participate in all aspects of the process, from sowing and weeding to harvesting and selling surplus produce.
However, discussing this year’s crops, school principal Loide Shipopyeni noted that the plants are struggling due to pests and birds attacking them. Nevertheless, she expressed confidence that they would find ways to protect the remaining crops.
Shipopyeni expressed her gratitude to Agribank during the distribution of agricultural supplies. She underscored that this assistance will enable the school to water their plants more effectively, as they had previously lacked a reliable water source.
She highlighted that the new pressure pump will allow them to irrigate both the garden and school grounds alike.
“Our curriculum emphasises practical skills that foster independence, employability, and a meaningful quality of life after graduation. It advocates for a diverse range of skills to be imparted to our learners, extending beyond the traditional classroom setting. With this donation, we anticipate making a significant difference in the lives of our students,” she stated.
Shipopyeni added that at Eluwa Special School, older learners follow the Senior Advanced Phase curriculum tailored for intellectually impaired students.
“This curriculum was specifically designed for these young individuals, acknowledging their unique educational journeys. It focuses on providing practical, functional life skills that will serve them well in the real world. Basic skills are a central component of this curriculum,” she noted.
Regarding their current offerings, the principal mentioned that agriculture and housekeeping are just two aspects of a much larger endeavour.
She explained that the Senior Advanced Phase Basic Skills curriculum aims to equip learners with a comprehensive range of practical life skills.
With aspirations for further development, she mentioned the potential for poultry farming, although resource limitations have posed challenges. However, she reiterated their commitment to maximising on what they currently have.
“In the interest of our children, I urge other organisations to contribute, whether through ideas for maintaining the garden or other forms of assistance,” she implored.
Having introduced housekeeping this year, Shipopyeni remarked that it is a valuable subject designed to equip learners for future employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and various other sectors.
Furthermore, she advocated for parents of children with impairments to learn acceptance and recognise that additional assistance, such as enrolling their children in specialised educational institutions, is necessary.
“We cannot stay at home with our children because they are impaired; they are capable and they matter. Let us take our children to school,” stressed the principal.
Eluwa Special School is dedicated to educating children with special needs in Ongwediva, Oshana Region.
