By Lylie Happiness
WINDHOEK, Sept. 15 — Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Honorable Faustina Caley, and the Ambassador of Japan to Namibia, His Excellency Hisao Nishimaki, conducted an official handover ceremony for two newly constructed classrooms, a storeroom, and a library at Saint Barnabas Primary School last week.
The event, which marked the formal transfer of the new building to the school management, took place in Katutura. Deputy Minister Caley highlighted the significance of this infrastructure investment, emphasizing its role in fostering community connections and delivering quality education. She acknowledged the generous financial support from the government of Japan.
Ambassador Nishimaki, during his address at the handover ceremony, emphasized the transformative potential of the new building within the school’s educational landscape.
The feedback from both students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude to the governments of Namibia and Japan for their joint efforts in completing this facility. They anticipate that the new building will greatly enhance the teaching and learning environment.
In a recent development, Saint Barnabas Primary School officially unveiled its state-of-the-art multipurpose school hall, valued at N$1.6 million, in Katutura. The construction of this hall was made possible through financial contributions from Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) and the French oil and gas company, Maurel and Prom (M&P).
During the inauguration ceremony, Honorable Laura McLeod-Katjirua, the Governor of the Khomas Region, underscored the hall’s importance, not only for Saint Barnabas Primary School but also for other schools in Katutura lacking similar facilities. She noted that the hall would serve as an examination centre for various educational institutions and as a versatile venue for community events, including church choirs, cultural gatherings, and other social activities.
Governor McLeod-Katjirua emphasized the responsibility of protecting and maintaining the hall as a gesture of appreciation to NamPower, Maurel Prom, and other crucial contributors.
Simeon Amunkete, Senior Manager for Human Capital at Namibia Power Corporation, stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for students through infrastructural development and renovations in the education sector.
Genevieve Coppard, Deputy General Manager at Maurel & Prom, reiterated their commitment to making a sustainable contribution to the local community and the Khomas region. She emphasized the significance of providing quality education infrastructure for learners.
Nahson Mbangura, the Principal of Saint Barnabas Primary School, expressed gratitude for the contributions from NamPower Maurel and Prom, emphasizing the positive impact these investments would have on teaching, learning, and community activities. – Namibia Daily New
