New Life Skills classroom gives Orban Primary a boost

The N$500 000 investment is set to strengthen psychosocial support and equip learners with practical skills as enrolment continues to rise in Khomas.
Nee-Thanks Uupindi
  • 6 Days Ago

Orban Primary School in Windhoek has received a new Life Skills classroom and storeroom valued at more than N$500 000, built by the August 26 Holding Company as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.

Construction began on 11 May 2026 and was completed on 29 June 2026. The facility was officially handed over to the school on 7 August.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Khomas regional education director Paulus Nghikembua said the region urgently needs more classrooms as learner numbers continued to rise each year. “We just hit over 110 000 learners this year. Every year, we always increase that number by over 3 800 learners, and that is roughly three new schools that we need every year,” Nghikembua said.

While thanking August 26, Nghikembua said the new classroom was about more than infrastructure and would contribute to addressing psychosocial support in schools. “You are a step further in ensuring that you are not only providing access to basic education but also attending to critical matters of psychosocial support in our schools,” he said.

Orban Primary School principal Jan Cloete said the new classroom would support the school's efforts to promote academic, personal and interpersonal development. “This new Life Skills facility represents our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Within these walls, our students will acquire essential life tools for them to take forward, from critical thinking and decision-making to personal growth and self-reliance,” Cloete said.

Orban Primary School board chairperson Leon Esterhuizen said the classroom would have a lasting impact on the school community. “This Life Skills Classroom will continue to benefit countless young people for many years to come. Within these walls, learners will acquire practical knowledge, strengthen their confidence, develop creativity, and prepare themselves for productive and meaningful lives,” Esterhuizen said.

Representing August 26, Gabriel Nandjingwa said the project was intended to create a safe and secure environment for learning. “We believe that every classroom we build is a step towards a more educated, skilled and prosperous Namibian child. We hope that this classroom provides a safe and conducive learning environment and that it serves Orban Primary School for generations to come.”