The newly constructed Otuzemba Primary School in Opuwo officially opened its doors to more than 600 pupils and 16 teachers on Wednesday.

The school was constructed under the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture patronage for N.dollars 25 million on a piece of land that was provided by the Opuwo Town Council, under the then-CEO Petrus Shuuya.

The school can accommodate 900 students.

During the school’s formal opening on Wednesday, Kunene Education Regional Director Angeline Jantze emphasised the significance of education, noting that it is critical to recognise the enormous potential and promise that the new infrastructure will provide.

“This school is more than just a physical structure; it’s a symbol of hope, knowledge, and endless possibilities. It is a place where dreams can be nurtured, minds can be expanded and minds can be transformed,” Jantze said.

Education, she added is the cornerstone of development and empowerment, while it provides individuals with the tools they need to manage the world’s complexity, overcome problems, and create a better future for themselves and others.

“In this school, we are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and compassion,” she said.

She went on to praise the parents and guardians for their unwavering commitment to their children’s education.

“We recognise the weight of this responsibility and pledge to collaborate with you to provide the best educational experience for your children,” Jantze said.

According to the director, the school attracted learners from other primary schools in Opuwo and adjacent villages to help alleviate overcrowding at other schools.

Opuwo Town Council member of the management committee Forestor Tjijahura also spoke at the event, emphasising the need for an additional institution in town, noting that having the school in the centre of town will reduce the burden of learners having to travel long distances to school.

This will also allow everyone to be closer to the school, as well as alleviate the burden of paying costly monthly taxi charges, since learners are now able to walk to the new school.

Opuwo now has three primary schools, covering pre-primary to Grade 7.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency