Zadang Primary School Welcomes New Classrooms

In an inspiring milestone for education in Kavango East, the MVA Fund and MTC Namibia have proudly handed over a newly constructed classroom block to Zadang Primary School. This achievement forms part of the broader MTC Rural Schools Project, an initiative dedicated to enhancing rural communities by supporting the development of safe, well-equipped learning environments for schoolchildren.

The new facilities at Zadang Primary include three classrooms, an ablution block, 90 desks and chairs for learners, and additional furniture for teachers. Located approximately 147 kilometres from Rundu, the school had previously been operating out of a temporary structure shared across three grades. Now, with these improvements, the school’s 31 pupils can benefit from a conducive learning environment designed to foster better educational outcomes.

Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Hon. Faustine Caley, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, noting that “education is a fundamental requirement for shaping Namibia’s future.” She applauded the partnership between MTC and the MVA Fund, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are vital to tackling Namibia’s challenges.

Adding to this sentiment, Ms Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, MVA Fund CEO spoke on the necessity of building sustainable rural communities, observing that “sustainable cities will remain elusive if we do not complete the work of creating sustainable rural communities.” She also commended the dedication of Zadang Primary’s Principal, Ms Amalia Andriano, for her resilience in educating the children despite past challenges. Martins-Hausiku urged more corporations to support this initiative.

Mr Tim Ekandjo MTC’s Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer, addressed the gathered community, affirming that the celebration was not solely for MTC or the MVA Fund but rather for the pioneers who identified the need for a school and made it a reality. Ekandjo encouraged parents to inform others of the new facilities, stressing the impact of education on breaking the cycle of poverty.

Education Director for Kavango East, Ms Christine Shilima, acknowledged the efforts to improve educational infrastructure, noting that while recruiting more teachers can be straightforward, constructing classrooms often presents a greater challenge.

The journey to address the needs of Zadang Primary School began when a newspaper exposé revealed the challenging conditions under which students were learning. In response, the MVA Fund reached out to MTC, joining forces to enhance the MTC Rural Schools Project. Since its launch in 2019, this initiative has delivered 52 classrooms and eight storerooms across regions including Kunene, Kavango West, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, Karas, Hardap, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Zambezi. This project marks the third collaboration between MTC and the MVA Fund, reinforcing their commitment to advancing education in Namibia’s rural communities.

The new classroom block at Zadang Primary School not only provides a physical space for learning but also represents the tangible benefits of partnership, dedication, and the pursuit of educational equity in Namibia.