Sostenus Wilherm
Vice President Lucia Witbooi has pledged to seek financial support for two volunteer educators and mobilise sponsorship for a proper learning structure at an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre serving 102 children in Otjimanangombe Village, Omusati Region.
Witbooi made the commitment on Wednesday during a site visit to the Lucia Witbooi Early Childhood Development Centre in the Ruacana Constituency, where she highlighted the need for greater investment in early childhood education, particularly for children from marginalised communities.
The centre, established in June 2025, caters mainly for children from the Ovatwe and Ovatjimba communities and is currently operated by only two volunteer educators.
Witbooi said the situation required intervention, particularly because many parents were unable to contribute towards the educators’ expenses due to unemployment and limited household incomes.
“I therefore, would like to mention that my office will try to knock at some doors to ensure that these educators receive some remuneration for the good job they are doing,” she said.
She also revealed that her office was seeking sponsorship to replace the existing facility with a proper structure that would provide a more suitable learning environment for the children.
“Furthermore, my office is busy soliciting sponsorship to ensure that we build a proper and suitable structure which will be conducive for learners at this Centre,” Witbooi said.
She called on companies and other corporate entities to support the initiative, saying the government alone could not carry the responsibility of ensuring that every child receives quality early childhood education.
“To this end, I urge the corporate entities to come on board and assist in our quest to ensure that a Namibian child receives better education in a proper structure,” she said.
Witbooi said the conditions at the centre were a reminder of the importance of investing in children from an early age, describing early childhood development as an investment in Namibia’s future.
“Indeed, an investment in early childhood development is an investment in our nation’s destiny,” she said.
She further said the 102 children at the centre should be viewed not merely as learners, but as future professionals and leaders who could contribute to the development of the country.
“Indeed, we are not just looking at children playing; we are looking at the future leaders, teachers, doctors, and innovators of our nation,” she said.
Although her official mission was to the Kunene Region, Witbooi said she decided to visit the centre to meet the children, educators and members of the surrounding community.
She used the visit to urge parents and community leaders to take a more active role in their children’s education, particularly by ensuring regular attendance and working closely with educators.
“My message to you all is, let us take education of our children seriously. Education is the key to a bright and better future,” she said.
Witbooi further appealed to parents to ensure that children attend lessons consistently and receive the support they need to succeed.
“Let us make sure that our children do not miss out on lessons, let us work together with the teachers to avoid learner absenteeism,” she said.
The vice President said the government remained committed to ensuring that no Namibian child was excluded from education.
“It is the aim of the government of the Republic of Namibia to see to it that no Namibian child is denied education,” she said.
However, the centre’s reliance on volunteer educators highlights the challenges faced by communities trying to provide early childhood services in marginalised areas.
Witbooi commended the two educators for continuing to teach despite receiving no regular remuneration, describing their contribution as an act of dedication and selflessness.
“I would like to commend the two educators who are doing a great job at this community centre. You are special to us and to the entire community,” she said.
According to Witbooi, some parents contribute towards supporting the educators, but the majority are unable to do so because of a lack of income.
She therefore appealed for collective action involving government, communities and the private sector to improve the centre’s infrastructure and support those providing education.
Witbooi concluded by calling on the regional leadership, parents, educators and community members to work together to ensure that children are protected and given access to quality education.
“Let us work together to ensure that our children are safe, and that they receive the best education possible,” she said.
