Governor facilitates two extra classrooms for Walvis school

Seaside Primary School on Friday received a surprise visit from Erongo governor Neville Andre, who identified the school as a beneficiary on his 44th birthday, after hearing about the school’s lack of space.

He mobilised different companies at Walvis Bay to sponsor the school with building materials for the construction of two classrooms.

“I was told that children at this school have morning and afternoon sessions. There are about 45 pupils in each class. Imagine how difficult it is.

“The children will not have the advantage of other pupils who are only 10 or 12 in a classroom. We want them to also benefit.

“Some 45 children cannot be assured of quality education. We want to see how we can help. We hope it will relieve the situation.

“I have engaged stakeholders and they have supported me. As a region, we are working together. I am proud that we have people who are ready to give,” he said. Erongo education director Ernfriede Stephanus applauded the governor, noting that the new classrooms would bring the school relief.

“We thank the governor for his involvement in education. Sometimes we do not know what he is doing, but he is always busy at the school. He is walking the talk.

“We need more schools in the region. It is unfortunate that there is a delay with the new project school that was promised, but this would ease the burden in the meantime,” she said.

The school currently has a platoon system, involving that some pupils attend classes in the morning, and others in the afternoon.

Seaside Primary School principal Lucinda Resandt welcomed the gesture, saying it would make learning easier.

“We were delighted when we were called and told about the news. We currently have 11 classrooms operating on a platoon system, with five floating classes. It means the teachers have to rotate and exchange classes.

“The two classrooms came like manna from heaven. This is a blessing, and we cannot wait to utilise them soon” she said.

The school, which has about 1 500 pupils, will start utilising the classrooms as soon as construction and furnishing have been completed.