MTC’s Rural Schools Project has constructed 52 classrooms and eight storerooms for Namibian schools in Kunene, Kavango West, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, //Kharas, Hardap, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Zambezi regions since 2019.
This comes as MTC, in collaboration with the MVA Fund of Namibia, has constructed a new block of classrooms for Zadang Primary School in the Kavango East region.
The new facilities, located about 147 kilometres from Rundu, include three classrooms, an ablution block, and essential furnishings: 90 tables and chairs for learners, along with new furniture for teachers.
MTC’s Chief Human Capital, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer, Tim Ekandjo, underscored the project’s impact, urging local parents to support their children’s education to help break the cycle of poverty.
“We are here to celebrate those who recognised the need for a school and took action to start one. This achievement is about the community’s resilience,” Ekandjo said.
CEO of the MVA Fund of Namibia, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, emphasised the necessity of creating sustainable rural communities, noting that this goal aligns with Sustainable Development objectives, and encouraged other corporations to contribute to similar initiatives.
“Sustainable cities will remain elusive if we do not complete the work of creating sustainable rural communities,” she said.
Also speaking at the handover event, Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Faustine Caley, commended the initiative, saying partnerships like this are essential to address Namibia’s educational challenges.
Caley praised both MTC and the MVA Fund of Namibia for their commitment.
“Education is a fundamental requirement for shaping Namibia’s future,” she said.
Kavango East Education Director, Christine Shilima, further noted that while hiring teachers is feasible, constructing durable classrooms is a greater challenge.
“It is much easier to employ more teachers, but it is harder to construct classrooms,” she said.