Mariental High School in dilapidated state

THE once prestigious Mariental High School (MHS) is one of many schools in the country diminished to a state of dilapidation.

Minister of education, arts and culture Katrina Hanse-Himarwa on Monday witnessed the state of the school during a partnership launch between her ministry and MultiChoice Namibia.

The private entertainment company installed a plasma television screen, decoder and education channels in the library of the school to assist pupils and teachers in the education process.

Hanse-Himarwa called on the Hardap Regional Education Directorate to pay attention to renovations at the school.

“We should remember that the school is over 60 years old, and needs to be maintained. We will soon begin with renovations at the MHS boys’ hostel, and I suggest that we give attention to the school building in phases,” she stated.

The MHS girls’ hostel and the Empelheim Junior Secondary School at the town were recent beneficiaries of a N$6, 4 million upgrade, the minister noted.Principal Albertus Stein said the dilapidation was as a result of wear and tear, and the persistent vandalism of resources.

“Many of our toilets are blocked because the pipes are old and children toss toilet rolls, paper and other trash into the ablution facilities.”

Regional education director Mzingisi Gqwede said vandalism at schools was a real concern, and that supervision needs strengthening.

“There is just not enough money to attend to all the schools all the time. Other schools complain that too much attention is given to MHS, but we do what we can with what we have,” he said.

Hanse-Himarwa said Namibia has 1 800 schools, and it is one of her main intents as minister to upgrade all schools, hostels and teachers’ accommodation in the country.