WINDHOEK, Jan. 26 – As Namibia joins the rest of the world to observe International Education Day, a Chinese-built school is bridging gaps in education access in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
Elizabeth Bamm, the acting principal of Chairman Mao Zedong Secondary School, said the school helps the Namibian government tackle classroom shortfall and accords underprivileged children access to quality education.
“The school caters to learners coming from poor socio-economic backgrounds, and teaching provided here plays a great role in their development,” Bamm said Tuesday.
Since its opening in March 2016, the number of learners has significantly increased from 680 to 810 in 2023.
The school has progressively transformed into a fertile ground for learners to realize their dreams of diversifying their skills and cultural exchange for many learners. In 2018, the school scored position three in the region for performing well in the national examinations for grade nine learners. In 2021, the school was among the top 20 in the region.
The school facilities and infrastructure boost education provision, witnessing academic progression for many pioneer students.
“Certainly, the establishment played a major role in taking off the burden from the Namibian government. The school also helped with community upliftment,” Bamm said.
WINDHOEK, Jan. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) — Learners attend class at Chairman Mao Zedong Secondary School in Windhoek, Namibia, Jan. 24, 2023. TO GO WITH “Chinese-built school bolsters education provision in Namibia” (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)
The learners are also drawn to the school to learn the Chinese language and realize their dreams of international exposure. The University of Namibia’s Confucius Institute also offers learners Mandarin lessons three days a week.
“One of our learners won a Chinese proficiency competition and travelled to China with the former school principal. This inspires others, which is evidence of the impact of China-Namibia cooperation and investment in education in the country,” Bamm added.
Support by teachers also helps learners with their fledging studies. Face illuminated in a bright, learners keenly immersed in lessons offered at the school.
“I am pleased to be at this school because I get the chance to pursue sports and learn Mandarin offered here,” said Geraldo, a grade 12 learner.
Moreover, the school facilities have been a ground to nurture people-to-people relations.
According to Bamm, the school is a hub of gatherings, with many stakeholders opting to use the facilities, including the multi-function hall and sports field. “This help to nurture a relationship between the school and the community, which is essential for a sustained path,” she said.
Meanwhile, the community embraced the school, citing that it has cut short the distance their children would walk to access school.
“My child was enrolled at the school. Since I live in the area, this saved us money, enabled us to manage time better, and eased our struggles. It also reduces learners’ dropouts,” said Mike Tjizera, a local.
This has prompted interest in China-Namibia relations. “It is known as the Chinese school around here, and it indirectly links Namibian people with China,” he said.
Despite enlightening young Namibians, some challenges persist for the school, such as limited funds for expansion.
In the interim, the school, with a staff component of 27 teachers, is fast positioning itself to grow into a school of excellence despite difficulties.
“With the privilege of Chinese investment, the goal is to boost academic performance and groom the talent of young people in sports, arts, and other areas. Our mantra has been discipline, mastery, and building learners’ self-confidence,” Bamm said.
This year, the International Day of Education, which fell on Tuesday, was observed under the theme “to invest in people, prioritize education.” (Xinhua)
