Learners at Shaanika Nashilongo Senior Secondary School have received eight newly constructed classrooms, marking an important step in easing overcrowding and broadening access to quality learning.
The facilities were delivered by MTC in partnership with the MVA Fund through the MTC Rural Schools Project.
The infrastructure, valued at N$2 million, was officially handed over by the Regional Councillor and Member of Parliament, Mr. Leonard Shikulo, to a grateful school community of learners, educators, parents, and community leaders.
Launched in 2019, the MTC Rural Schools Project is a corporate social investment programme designed to support the government’s drive to strengthen education infrastructure by constructing and refurbishing classroom facilities, with a focus on rural schools.
Before the intervention, Shaanika Nashilongo SS faced serious space constraints, with many learners taught in crowded classrooms.
The shortage of teaching space also restricted the school’s ability to admit more learners, despite the availability of hostel accommodation.
With the addition of the eight classrooms, enrolment is expected to grow from 879 to over 1 000, opening opportunities for more than 300 additional learners to access education in a more suitable environment.
Addressing attendees, MTC Chief Corporate, Branding, Marketing, and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, reflected on the national footprint of the programme.
“Since 2020, we have delivered classrooms across the country, from Kunene to Kavango West, Oshana, Karas, Hardap, Zambezi, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Kavango East, and Omaheke,” Ekandjo said.
“Today, we are pleased to extend this work to the Omusati Region with the handover of eight classrooms at Shaanika Nashilongo.”
Ekandjo said the programme has to date delivered 61 classrooms, seven storerooms, one computer laboratory, and one ablution facility, representing an investment of N$18 million, with two further handovers planned in the Erongo Region to complete national coverage.
MVA Fund Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr John Haufiku, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in advancing education.
“Progress on a meaningful scale is never achieved in isolation. While MTC and the Fund have concentrated on providing essential infrastructure, we urge other corporates, public institutions, communities, and leaders to share in the work that remains, so that rural schools are equipped to standards comparable with the best in the world,” said Haufiku.
Okahao Town Council Mayor, Mr. Gandja Ayihe Ndeshipanda Iyambo, welcomed the classrooms, describing the moment as one of renewed optimism.
“These classrooms represent possibility, forward movement, and our shared belief that education remains the strongest foundation for the future of our nation.”
In his keynote address, Mr. Leonard Shikulo commended the partners for their sustained commitment, noting that the classrooms stand as a symbol of what is possible when government, the private sector, and communities work together with clarity of purpose.
In the photo: Okahao Constituency Councillor Leonard Shikulo together with Okahao Town Mayor Gandja Iyambo cutting the ribbon for the classrooms handover.
