By Adolf Kaure.
The boundary wall of Westside High School in Swakopmund is due for full rehabilitation following a substantial contribution from a local fishing company. The groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of construction, was held at the school recently. The contruction of the wall will still start this year.
Ehanga Fishing donated N$100,000 for the construction of the wall, which got damaged over the years. The company’s representative, Karl Gowaseb said they value schools that prioritise a safe and conducive learning environment.
“When we noticed that the boundary wall was leaning towards collapsing, we had to act proactively. We could not wait for a learner to be killed first before we could intervene.”
“I hope that our efforts shall lead to other companies to join us in partnership as friends of education.”
“We are inviting private sector companies to contribute in cash or kind, for the development of a safe and secure environment for children,” said Gowaseb.
The collapsing wall needs N$335,000 in total for the whole rehabilitation process.
Gowaseb further stated that Ehanga Fishing supports Westside High School’s motto of professionalism, resilience, and instilling values of integrity in children. “Values that resonate with Ehanga Fishing’s values of quality and integrity and promoting excellence and innovation. We support efforts in capacity building and skills development,” he said.
The school’s acting principal, Esau Haosemab expressed his gratitude to Ehanga Fishing for the donation.
“On behalf of Westside High School parents, I would like to express out load our immense gratitude for the world to see and hear.”
“I am certain we were not the only ones who knocked on your doors, however we were the fortunate ones, just because we had a vision and we believed before 2024 our objective would be met,” he said.
Haosemab further highlighted how the maintenance of the boundary wall would improve education at the school.
“We vow today to chaperone this reconstructed boundary wall with utmost care, as its viable purpose is to ensure our children and grandchildren receive education in a safe and conducive learning environment.”
“The reconstruction of the school’s boundary wall might have looked to some as a luxury, and not a necessity, however we were restless as parents and teachers that the lives of our children are endangered due to the hazards it posed.”
“This endeavour is immortal to us, it will remain, even if we leave one day for greener pastures, the next generation to come will still benefit from it.”
“The generous support of individuals like you plays a pivotal role in contributing to Namibia’s sustainable developmental goals to provide quality education for the Namibian child,” said Haosemab.
