Tsumeb Gimnasium Private School

A school with a lot of character
Tsumeb Gimnasium Private School is located in Tsumeb.
Desiree Gases
The school is known for starting the Namibian Private Schools Organisation (Napso) and being one of the first schools to start with the IEB (Independent Examinations Board) curriculum.

Tsumeb Gimnasium opened its doors in January 1994 with 25 pupils and five teachers.

It was located next to the Afrikaans Dutch Reformed (NG) church, and consisted of two houses.

One house was assigned as a hostel for the boys and the other for the girls.

Dries Horn, who was the school principal at the time, had a dream of opening a school. He contacted the previous and current principals to help him jump-start his dream.

They placed a huge tent in between the two houses, where they held meetings, conducted classes, and served meals.

From that tent, the Tsumeb Gimnasium School grew to be what it is today.

The school has grown to a fully-fledged pre-primary, primary, and secondary school, with hostels for both the high school and primary school students.

Growth

"It’s unbelievable what God did for us from that tent and two houses to where we are standing today," Wouter Niehaus, the school’s current principal, said.

Today, the school has 330 learners, 32 teachers, 10 employees at the hostel, and 12 extra workers at the school.

Although it is a predominately Afrikaans school, a few English classes are on offer, from grades one to seven.

The computer centre has 22 computers, air conditioning, and a printer for any printing needs.

The hospitality studies class has eight work spaces for practical assignments and is equipped with a brand-new freezer and fridge from Nictus.

The school hall has excellent lighting and sound fixtures that are fit for any occasion.

The school has a fully functioning laboratory as well.

The primary school has an art class as well.

The pre-primary consists of Baby Land (3 months to 3 years), grade 00, grade 0, and grade R.

Strength

There are different playgrounds for the pre-school, primary school, and high school. The high school has a newly built cafeteria called Die Lekbak.

There is a tuck shop for the primary school.

Marienette Potgieter, the head girl who has been at the school since grade one, said: "Considering how long I’ve been a part of Tsumeb Gim, and the immense growth I have witnessed with my own eyes, there is so much to love about the school.



"But the one thing I love the most is that here we get taught not only about academics but also how to progress in your life and do good in the future".

The school’s mission and vision is to ultimately send kids out into the world who are holistic and independent; kids who can take anything thrown at them, because they know that their foundation is good.

The vision is to have learners who are what Tsumeb Gimnasium stands for, which is character and values.