New classrooms for WJD Cloete Combined School
Four newly constructed classrooms, a storage facility and a tree-planting initiative were officially inaugurated at WJD Cloete Combined School at Rietoog by the Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, on Friday.
She was joined by Hardap Governor Charl Riaan McNab, the Hardap Regional Councillor and chairperson of the Hardap Regional Council, as well as representatives of Wilderness Namibia and its partner IXM Metals.
The construction of the classrooms and storage facility was completed for N$1 421 600. The project reflects collaboration between government and private-sector partners aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure and improving learning conditions in the Hardap Region.
Situated at Rietoog in the Rehoboth Rural Constituency, WJD Cloete Combined School caters for learners from Grade 0 to Grade 9. Many pupils travel from surrounding farms and remote settlements and reside in the school hostel. The additional classrooms and dedicated storage facility are expected to ease classroom shortages and create a more structured learning environment.
The development was made possible through a partnership between Children in the Wilderness (CITW) and IXM Metals. Beyond addressing infrastructure needs, the initiative seeks to promote youth empowerment, leadership development and sustainable community growth.
It also aims to strengthen partnerships between the education sector, the tourism industry and corporate stakeholders, highlighting the role conservation-linked tourism can play in community upliftment and long-term socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, McNab warned against the proliferation of shebeens and drug outlets in the region, saying he would not tolerate a future in which children’s prospects are undermined by alcohol and drug abuse. He urged parents to work closely with the ministry to combat the growing threat, stressing that protecting the well-being and future of young people is a shared responsibility. - [email protected]
