Primary school receives photocopier, textbook

Omaruru •[email protected]



Otjohorongo Primary School at Omaruru was the recipient of a brand-new photocopier machine as well as textbooks.

The primary school is home to six teachers and 146 learners from grade 0 to grade 7.

The photocopier to the value of N$23 000 was donated by FNB through the FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust and textbooks to the value of N$39 000 were handed over by Chief Manasse Zeraeua on behalf of the Epango Fishing Company.

Salmon Naholo, principal of the Otjohorongo Primary School, thanked the two entities for their generosity.

“Thank you for having the Namibian child at heart and also for making sure that they receive proper education that will prepare them for the bright future. Education is the key to success. To be a competitive learner in the modern world is impossible without receiving the best education. You have made sure with this donation that we can be a competitive school aiming again to be the best.”

Otjohorongo managed to obtain a 90% pass rate in 2019 in all grades.

“We assure you that we will take the lead in managing well and using the donated textbooks and photocopier machine we have received.”

Chief Manasse Zeraeua of the Zeraeua Traditional Authority, representing the Epango Fishing Company, explained that he was always concerned about the suffering and poverty of the Namibian people and, in particular, the people of Omatjete.

“After being sworn in as chief I asked myself how can I address the poverty afflicting our community; even if I had a train load of food parcels that would not entirely address poverty. I resolved that the best way of addressing poverty in our community is by educating the Namibian child.”

He explained that he visited different schools in the Omatjete community at the beginning of the year.

“The purpose was to motivate and encourage the learners about the importance of education and to find out from school management the problems they face at their various schools.”

The chief said his first visit was to Otjohorongo Primary School where he was informed by management that the school lacked textbooks for all grades.

“I approached the directors of Epango Fishing to assist the school with textbooks, to which they agreed. I am encouraging all school-going learners to read and study hard in order to become future doctors, engineers, teachers and unlock their potential through education.”

Abuid Tjikusere, the business relationship manager of FNB Omaruru, said he hoped the donation would improve the teaching and learning environment at the school.

“Despite the location and limited resources such as textbooks, which have limited many government schools, the school still managed to achieve excellent results. The improvement of education in remote and informal areas is one of the important issues FNB is concerned with.

“As a bank we understand that there is an increased demand and diversification of economic activities mainly due to the growing emphasis on globalisation and associated changes.”

He said that by expanding educational opportunities poverty can be eradicated.

“As a member of the private sector, FirstRand Namibia group accepts its responsibility in assisting government in creating inclusive education for all Namibian children. Education is a societal issue, and we intend to play our part.”