Onuuyamba Pre-Primary School
Our current project is the Onuuyamba Pre-Primary School in the village of Okaliveva (Onayena constituency) in northern Namibia. This community-based Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre gives children aged 0 to 6 a sound foundation in education and has been officially registered with the responsible ministry since 2022 (Reg. No. OSH/ONU/027).
Why this school?
Until now, many children from Okaliveva and the neighbouring villages had to travel more than 10 kilometres to the nearest pre-school, crossing a river that floods in the rainy season or busy main roads. Lessons were often interrupted for months, and there have even been fatal road accidents involving children. The school was founded by someone who grew up here and had to walk these routes as a child.
What the school offers
- Early learning: first steps in reading, writing, numeracy and communication
- English: playful exposure to Namibia's official language and language of instruction
- Safety: a place to learn close to the children's homes
The school is run by the community: a committee of eight elected members and the parents are closely involved. The ministry, regional leadership and school inspectorate support the centre.
What is needed now
The current classroom, built from corrugated iron, is far too small. The goal is a new classroom for about 30 children. The centre also has no clean running water. The project depends on donations for building materials, skilled labour and transport.
