Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has urged businesses and development partners to step up investment in early childhood education, calling for greater efforts to ensure that children across Namibia have access to suitable learning facilities.
MTC Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer Tim Ekandjo said leaders should prioritise community development and direct resources towards projects that improve children’s educational opportunities.
Speaking at the handover of a N$1.2 million early childhood development (ECD) centre at Northside Primary School in Rehoboth on 20 October 2026, Ekandjo called for practical investments that address community needs.
“Children from different backgrounds look to leadership with hope, placing a responsibility on those in positions of influence to deliver meaningful change. I urge that, as leaders, we put service to communities ahead of titles, political differences and personal interests,” Ekandjo said.
He encouraged development partners to expand their programmes to communities across the country, stressing the importance of ensuring that educational opportunities reach children regardless of their location.
The newly completed Northside ECD Model Centre was constructed through a partnership between MTC and Development Workshop Namibia (DWN).
Valued at N$1.2 million, the facility comprises two classrooms, each with a storeroom, and ablution facilities.
The development is the second model ECD centre completed through the partnership, following the construction of a similar facility in Oshakati in 2024.
The centre will provide early learning activities covering storytelling, numeracy, science, music, creative arts and outdoor play, with resources designed to accommodate children with different abilities and learning needs.
DWN Executive Director Ester Veiko said improving the quality of early childhood education required sustained investment in educators, learning materials and family participation alongside infrastructure development.
“Quality early learning requires sustained investment in educators, learning materials and family involvement alongside suitable infrastructure,” Veiko said.
She confirmed that DWN would continue supporting the centre through educator training, mentoring and coaching, while Northside Primary School would be responsible for managing the facility.
Hardap Governor Rian Charles McNab welcomed the investment, saying early childhood education played an important role in developing children’s confidence, communication and social skills.
“As a region, we appreciate and welcome the investment. Our children are the future leaders and investing in them is essential in helping them to develop confidence, social skills, language and articulation,” McNab said.
He urged the school community to protect and maintain the facility to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the investment.
The Rehoboth project forms part of the MTC–DWN partnership to improve access to early childhood education through infrastructure development and continued support for educators.
