Immanuel Ruiters Celebrate 60th Anniversary

PUPILS at Immanuel Ruiters Primary School in Walvis Bay were excited to commemorate their 60th aniversary by marching from Shoprite to Kuisebmond, lining the road, singing and waving flags.

They paraded through Walvis Bay with a decorated float, led by the Namibian Navy band, and other performers as the streets of Kuisebmond were crowded with young and old. The parade ended at the school with a ceremony where the school’s history was shared with the community members and pupils.

“This is an important milestone for the school and a proud occasion for Walvis Bay itself. The school is characterised by some fine achievements which are valued by the entire community. It is a respected school which has been at the forefront of many developments, either socially, and educationally,” said Walvis Bay deputy mayor, Penelope Martin Louw.

“We can only say thank God for teachers, management, the community and parents for educating our children to become independent, responsible citizens of Namibia.

“To the learners, we have teachers here who were taught here and become teachers at the same school. We expect from you to work hard and be disciplined, so that when we move out, you will also become the teachers and directors of tomorrow.

“To the school staff, thank you so much from the nation. We appreciate what you are doing,” said the Erongo regional education director, Erenfriede Stephanus.

The school’s 60th celebrations will continue throughout the year with different events including a laying of coins in the shape of a 60 in front of the classrooms, asports day, a reunion for former pupils from 1960 to 2018, cultural week, gala dinner and gospel night. The celebrations will conclude on 7 November.

The school currently has 1 400 pupils Grades 1 to 7. It was previously known as ‘Inboorling Skool’ and was established in January 1960, after the forceful removal of the black communities from the town’s old location. It was started by Immanuel Ruiters, Karel Hagedoorn and Theofelus Haragaeb with 250 pupils.