Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has invested N$9.6 million in education through its Rural Schools Project.
The project launched in 2020, aims to ensure that Namibian children in rural areas are taught in classrooms conducive for learning.
“Since the launch of the MTC Rural Schools Project, MTC has constructed classrooms in rural schools across 8 regions of the country, benefiting more than 1500 students through this initiative. A total of 36 classrooms and 8 storerooms have been built within a span of three years,” MTC Corporate Communications Practitioner, Fikameni Mathias said.
He said through the initiative, schools in different regions have become academically competitive, and the teacher-to-learner ratio has significantly improved.
“We have seen improved academic results at the end of the year. Many of these schools are now competitive with others in the region, such as Sinzogoro, Omatako, and Okondaune. The teacher-to-learner ratio has become acceptable, unlike in the past when teachers had to manage over 50 learners in a single class. The new classrooms have provided ample learning space and an ideal ratio,” the MTC Spokesperson said.
He highlighted that the initiative had also supported the local construction industry by engaging local contractors to construct the classrooms and storerooms.
“The project has created employment opportunities for 8 construction companies tasked with building classroom blocks at 8 rural schools,” Mathias said.
He also pointed out that the MVA Fund and the Pupkewitz Foundation have now joined the initiative as partners.
“With collaborative partners like the MVA Fund and Pupkewitz Foundation, the initiative expanded its commitment in 2021 and 2023 by adding more classrooms and encompassing three additional regions this year. This underscores the power of smart partnerships and their increased impact,” Mathias said.
The initiative covered the regions of Kavango, Kunene, Oshana, Otjozondjupa, and Hardap.
