Creating a safe space for learners

Junior Kapofi



Fidel Castro Ruz Primary School was opened in 2008 under the name Bright Hill Project School.



It consisted of two pre-primary classes and five grade one classes.



At the time, the school had a team of nine teachers and one cleaner, as well as 185 learners.



Today the school has over 1 150 learners, 47 teachers, two secretaries and four cleaners.



The school’s name is rooted in Namibia’s political history with Cuba – Cuito Cuanavale cannot be mentioned without thinking of Cuba.



According to the school, it was inspired to rename the school because the Cuban government, under the leadership of the late Commandante Fidel Castro Ruz, contributed immensely towards the liberation of Namibia.



Therefore, it was fitting to rename the school after him.



Wonderful relationship



The school is situated in the Okahandja Park (Babilon) informal settlement in Windhoek.



Most parents whose children attend the school are unemployed.



However, to make ends meet, parents contribute towards the school’s voluntary fund without complaint.



“Because of this wonderful relationship with our parents, we now boast additional facilities needed to uplift our learners, such as a library and a computer lab,” Ndapandula Shilyomunhu, the school’s principal, said.



She added that the school has built a boardroom and ablution block, and this is all thanks to the contributions of parents.



“This makes us unique because we have met the government halfway, and our parents fully understand that we are all custodians of this school and, therefore, we all need to do our part,” she said.



Future citizens



Shilyomunhu said the school’s mission is to strive for a bright future for learners with the participation and cooperation of all stakeholders.



In addition, teachers, parents and learners are required to be dedicated and committed towards quality education.



Among the school’s goals are for future graduates to be knowledgeable, respectful and responsible citizens who accept and appreciate diversity in society.



The school’s vision is to be a school of progress where teachers and learners do their utmost as a team to accomplish the school’s objectives and goals.



The school offers extramural sports activities and promotes working on innovative ideas to develop the school.



The learners also participate in educational and socially uplifting programmes like Project Hope and Childline/Lifeline, among others.



A true calling



Nangula Shikongo, a life skills teacher, said that among the ­challenges facing the school are children who come to school hungry.



Hunger hinders participation in class, and socialisation among the learners.



On a positive note, however, she outlined teamwork during the pandemic.



“Let me highlight one aspect that touched my heart so much during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Fidelians (teachers of this school), bearing in mind our learners’ situation (illiterate parents/guardians), took it upon themselves to attend to these learners every day, and not in cohort groups attending weekly or only on certain days of the week like the other schools did,” said Shilyomunhu.



“Our learners all attended school every day, in small groups, in two sessions (morning and afternoon) in order for us to adhere to the Covid-19 regulations. In this way, no learner missed out, and I am proud to be part of this school of hardworking teachers, being ­servants and enjoying their calling.”