MTC DWN STRENGTHENS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN REHOBOTH
MTC’s investment in early childhood development has opened new doors for children in Rehoboth, following the official handover of the Northside Early Childhood Development (ECD) Model Centre at Northside Primary School on 20 October 2026. Developed through MTC’s partnership with Development Workshop Namibia (DWN), the centre has a construction value of 1.2 million Namibian Dollars and comprises two classrooms, each with a storeroom, and ablution facilities. The facility provides a safe and stimulating environment where young children can learn through play, develop confidence and build the foundations for their educational journey.
This is the second model ECD centre made possible through the MTC–DWN partnership, following the construction of a centre in Oshakati in 2024. The development marks another practical step in extending access to quality early learning opportunities to communities across Namibia. Speaking at the handover, MTC’s Chief Brand, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Tim Ekandjo, challenged leaders and development partners to turn promises into tangible improvements in children’s lives. Ekandjo said “Children from different backgrounds look to leadership with hope, placing a responsibility on those in positions of influence to deliver meaningful change. I urge that, as leaders, we put service to communities ahead of titles, political differences and personal
interests.”
He further encouraged development partners to extend their efforts across the country to ensure that opportunities reach communities wherever they are located. Addressing the children, he urged them to use the opportunities being created to become leaders who serve others. “We want you to grow up as better leaders and serve this nation with pride and humility,” he said. The Northside centre is designed to bring learning to life through storytelling, creative arts, music, construction activities, early numeracy, science and outdoor play. Planned activity areas will encourage children to ask questions, explore, solve problems and interact with one another, while inclusive learning resources will support children with different abilities and learning needs.
DWN Executive Director Ester Veiko thanked MTC for its continued investment in early childhood development, explaining that the partnership supports both model centres and broader efforts to strengthen ECD services across Namibia. “We thank our partner MTC for the unwavering support. Quality early learning requires sustained investment in educators, learning materials and family involvement alongside suitable infrastructure. DWN will continue supporting the Northside centre through educator training, mentoring and coaching, while Northside
Primary School will manage the facility.” Hardap Governor Rian Charles McNab: “As a region, we appreciate and welcome the investment. Our children are the future leaders and investing in them is essential in helping them to develop confidence, social skills, language and articulation. I also encourage the school community to protect and maintain the facilities for generations to come.”
The occasion brought together education authorities, regional and local leadership, educators, parents and learners around a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities.
