The uninhabitable state of primary school classrooms in Okakarara Primary School is currently disrupting learning and demands urgent rehabilitation action from the government of Namibia.

Development Diaries reports that approximately 650 students were left stranded without access to classes a few weeks ago after powerful winds and heavy rainstorms seriously destroyed seven classrooms at the school, blowing off their roofs.

It is understood that over seven classrooms of the school were declared unsafe and uninhabitable for learners and teachers following a detailed building inspection by the regional education directorate of Otjozondjupa.

Although large tents have been provided as substitutes for the classrooms, the situation has not been easy at the school, as teachers and learners are forced to battle with heavy downpours while in the tent classes.

Apart from the cramped tents, rain showers have been disrupting learning, making it difficult for learners and teachers to go about their business in class.

Namibia has a number of serious educational obstacles that impede the nation’s overall progress. The uneven distribution of educational resources, especially between urban and rural areas, is one of the main problems.

While many rural areas lack the necessary facilities and struggle to find qualified teachers, urban centres may have well-equipped schools. This gap between urban and rural areas limits possibilities for children in remote areas and feeds the cycle of inequality by deepening differences in educational achievements.

Data from Boken Chalk reveal that 47,000 primary school students are still taught in ‘traditional’ classrooms or under trees, and many of them lack even the most basic amenities, including running water, electricity, and a toilet.

Development Diaries calls on the Namibian Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture to hasten plans towards the rebuilding of the classrooms to ensure students do not miss out on learning properly.

Source: New Era

Photo source: Namibia Sun