1 sept namib times e-edition

A Garden for the Community, By the Community

This area is home to an olive plantation, where Magdalene Vermaakandherlate husbandRonaldVermaak, planted 500 olive trees, nine years ago. The olive trees, spell out the word'PEACE',along with a smiley face.

The dream to start a garden, and to provide training to vulnerable members of the community for themtoalsostartand

sustain their own gardens, was birthed 21 years ago, where the Vermaak's first set up a vegetable garden at their own home. “The main aim and objective with the garden wastocreatejobs,and we concentrated on providing training to thepeoplelivingatthe dumpsite My husband had a very big heart and wanted to help those suffering. He would then train

these individuals for them to grow their own food, and thus help sustain themselves.”

Vermaak explained that the olive plantationwasalsostarted to provide training to incarcerated women.

“These women were then taught how to makedriedolivesand pesto.Two years ago, MTC hosted the We Race Together ini-

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New Manager for Roads at Walvis Municipality

The Walvis Bay Municipality announced the appointment of Mr Theo Potgieter, as the General Manager for RoadsandBuildingControl.

TheMayorofWalvisBay,TrevinoForbesstated Potgieterbringswithhimawealthofexperience andexpertiseinthefield.“Thus,makinghiman invaluableadditiontoourcouncil.Asweembark onthisnewchapter,Iamconfidentthatunderhis leadership, we will witness significant developmentsandadvancementsinourroadsand building infrastructure His dedication to excellence and commitment to ensuring quality controlwill undoubtedlybringpositivechanges toourcommunity.”Additionally,themayoralso provided an update on the current major road projects that are ongoing or awarded. “This includes Consultancy Services for Road Rehabilitation, rehabilitation of intersections (Phase

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Okapale Fishermen Appeal on Salary and Employment Issues

Petition Calls for Independent Inquiry into Home Repossessions and Judicial Malpractices

Ouma Barry Celebrates 90 Years

Sports News

Walvis Bay now boasts a Greenhouse Garden situated on theoutskirtsofthetown,nearFarm37,calledHananGreen Acres.

Mrs Magdalene Vermaak inside the Greenhouse, with a picture of her late husband Ronald Vermaak.

Photo Leandrea Mouers

Leandrea Mouers

Leandrea Mouers

A Garden for the Community

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tiative,whereIappliedandbyGod'sgraceIwas awarded as one of the beneficiaries. The main aimistotransfermyskillstothecommunityso that they too can grow their own food and becomeself-sustainable.”

Vermaak stated that community members who would like to receive training can just contact her “You do not need any prior experience. Horticulturalist, Jacob Niinkonti is also assisting me with the training, which we provide free of charge. Community members willthenhelpusinthegreenhousegardenfrom whichtheywillalsoreceivetheirtraining.”

Thevegetablesthatwillbegrowninthegarden will also be supplied to local soup kitchens.

New Manager

2), routine road maintenance (Lot 1-4) and rehabilitation of UnionStreet(Phase1).Thetotal value of these projects is approximately N$25 million of which approximately N$10.5 millionhasbeenspent.”

In terms of road projects in the pipeline are the resealing of streets and sidewalks, pothole repairs, rehabilitation of inter-

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sections, rehabilitation of Union Street – Phase 2 and the repair of sidewalks. “These projects will cost the council an additional estimated amount of N$25 million once awardedandcompleted. Wearewell aware that we are a long way from havingexcellentroadsinWalvisBay, but we would like to assure our residentsthatweareprioritisingroad infrastructure.”

Okapale Fishermen Appeal on Salary and Employment Issues

The approximately 500 former ex-employees of Okapale FishermensubmittedapetitiontotheMinisterofFisheries andMarineResources,DerekKlazen.

Thefishermen,who have been unemployed since 2015 followinganindustrial strike which led to job losses, stated at a meeting atWalvisBayon13 July that the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources communicated to them that designated companies would be allocated fishing quotastoensurethe timely payment of employees' salaries. Thefishermen expressed their concern that the fishing quotas allocated to newly awardedcompanies in the Government Employment Redressing Programme are inadequatetoensurepermanent employment for the fishermen and that they are still waits for their employment contracts. They expressed their disappointment in the agreement process between the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of

Labour, Industrial Relations and EmploymentCreation,as wellastheemploying firms.

InJulythisyear,Helgoland Fishing, Trilliant Investment, Iyaloo Women Investment Group, Blue Chromis, Rukatuka Investment, Aluhe Fishing, and Namfi Fishing Mowebaai Joint Venture, have through the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP)signedagreements with the MinistryofFisheriestoreemploy about 1 000 who lost their jobs aboard numerous fishing vessels following their participation in an illegal industrial strike, referredtoastheOkapale fishermen. The three companies that were designated and did not honour their agreementsareAlube Fishing, Rukatuka InvestmentandNamfi Fishing MÖwebaai jointventure.

The Chairperson of the group, Godfried Kuhanga, said that they are disappointed

“There is a lot of learners who go to school without something to eat. Our plan is then to providevegetablesforthesoupkitchensrunby schoolsandchurches.Aswellassupplytolocal oldagehomes.Wewillhoweverbesellingthe producetothecommunity,tocoverwatercosts, and also to provide those who are assisting in the garden with a small salary.” She further

addedthatthereisamisconceptionthatnothing can grow in the desert. “The desert is actually the best place to grow fruits and vegetables. If welookatIsrael,whichisadesertcountry–it lookslikeparadise.Wecanalsodothatherein Namibia.”

Jacob Niinkonti, who is assisting at Hanan Green Acres, said that some of the vegetables that will be planted include lettuce, spinach, tomato, broccoli, carrots, cucumbers and beetroots.“Wearecallingontheyouth,tomake useofthisopportunity.”

Mayor of Walvis Bay, Trevino Forbes, who commendedtheprojectinitsentirety,calledon the Walvis Bay community to start looking at backyard gardens. “Let us look at replacing backyardshackswithbackyardgardens.Letus look for opportunities where we can improve ourselves and change our economic situations ourselves.”

Attheofficialopening,communitymembersin attendance had the opportunity to sow the first seedsinthegarden.

that no quotas have been issued to the companiessincethen, resulting in salary payments not being honoured Kuhanga said, “the companies told group members that their inability to honour salary commitments was caused by inadequate fishing quotas and that the situation has caused us profound distress anduncertainty

“Despitethepromise of salaries commencing from July 1, 2023, this commitment has not been upheld,” Kahunga said. "The absence of compensation has severe repercussions, subjecting us and our families to considerable financial strain and emotional distress.

Unfortunately, the stress and emotional instability arising from this situation have led to the tragic loss of two of our members within the Okapare community in the past two weeks," Kahunga said.

The group is urging

theministertoaddress the situation before August 29, emphasising that if their request is not met, they intend to follow up their petition with demonstrations at WindhoekandWalvis Bay Phillipus Iwete, Chairperson of the Namfi Fishing Möwe Baai joint venture company, stated that

his company has taken in more than 200 fishermen and is currently in the process of integrating them.

Klazen confirmed thatthematterisstill in the process of beingfinalised.

Theministryisscheduled to meet with the affected companies to receive

their input and provide clarifications on variousmatters.

According to the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources,DerekKlazenthe Executive Director at hisministryinformed him the quotas were releasedtocompanies with the last ones on 24 August Klazen said, “the reason for

taking time was to sort out administration matters with somecompanies.My ministry is planning to meet with this companies to here from them and clarifymattersandto get clarity if all affected workers are now employed,” Klazensaid.

The mayor of Walvis Bay Trevino Forbes officially opened Hanan GreenAcres.

Photo Leandrea Mouers

The Okapale Fishermen

Rudi Bowe

Walvis Mayor Appointed as Member of an International Mayors Forum

Forbes stated that the Covenant of Mayors is an international movement that brings together local governments committed to taking action on climate changeandensuring sustainable communities for their citizens. “Being selected to join the Regional Mayors Forum is an incredible honour and a testament to our dedication to environmentalsustainability and our town's remarkable achievements in this area. This appointment holdssignificantimplicationsforWalvis Bay as a town. By participating in the

Regional Mayors Forum, I will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative solutions with other mayors from the region.” He added that this new engagement will equip him with val-uable knowledge and in-sights, help address local challenges, specifically thoserelatedtoclimate changeandsustainable development. “We can expect to implement new strategies and initiatives derived from this collaboration,puttingusatthe forefront of sustainable development in our region. Our involvementintheCovenant of Mayors at the

regional level will further enhance Walvis Bay's reputation as a forward-thinking and responsibletown.”

He said that this recognition can attract potential investments, partnerships, and funding opportunities that will contribute to the town's development and well-being in various aspects. ”Not only does this appointment benefit Walvis Bay,butitalsohasprofound implications for Namibia as a country Namibia, like many nations in SubSaharan Africa, faces unique environmental challenges and opportunities.Myactiveparticipation in the Regional Mayor's Forum

will ensure that our town's perspective and interests are represented in regional discussions on sustainable development policies andinitiatives.”

Forbes furthermore said that this platform will allow for synergy and collaboration among mayors. “This will foster collective action that can lead to positivechangeforour entire country As a result, we can expect Walvis Bay's name to be associated with sustainable development efforts, positioning Namibia as a proactive and environmentally conscious country This recognitioncancontributeto raising Namibia's pro-

Petition Calls for Independent Inquiry into Home Repossessions and Judicial Malpractices

The National Ownership Association (NAOA) has submitted a petition urging an Independent Commission of Inquiry into property deprivation cases, focusing on home repossessions,andallegedjudicialmalpractices.

ThepetitionwhichwashandedovertotheOfficeof the President and several banks during a recent peaceful march that took place in Walvis Bay and Windhoek,addressestheviolationofconstitutional rights, and seeks to provide restitution to those affectedbythesepractices.

The NAOA's petition highlights the issue of property repossessions that occurred from March 21, 1990, to April 16, 2014, due to default judgments granted by clerks of court and the Registrar of the HighCourt.Theseactionsaresaidtohaveviolated Article 78 of the Namibian Constitution, which mandates the independence of the courts and adherencetothelaw

Thepetitionarguesthatdespiteamendmentstothe Rules of the High Court inApril 2014, which seemingly restricted the powers of issuing default judgments, thousands of Namibians continued to suffer the loss of their primary homes and assets. The proposed solution calls for an Independent CommissionofInquirytoinvestigatethe“extentto which banks and legal representatives enriched themselvesattheexpenseofcitizens'constitutional rights.”

August Maletzky, Chairperson of NAOA, emphasisedtheneedforaninquirytoaddresstheinjustices inflicted on citizens. He stated, "Restitution for losses and damages suffered at the hands of a select corrupt legal fraternity and the banking system in Namibiaistheonlywaytorectifytheinjusticesour peoplearemadetosuffer."

TheNAOApetitionalsoaimstoamendArticle78of the Constitution through a national referendum, establish Namibia's Constitutional Court, enhance parliamentary intervention, and demand criminal proceedings against banks and their attorneys for allegedfinancialimproprieties.

Thecallforanindependentinquiryunderscoresthe urgencyofaddressingthelong-standingissueofproperty repossessions and judicial misconduct. The NAOA believes that such an inquiry will not only bringjusticetoaffectedindividualsandfamiliesbut also strengthen the country's legal and financial systems.

Note: This article is based on the information providedintheNAOApetitionanddoesnotreflectany official position taken by the government, commercialorlegalentities.

fileontheinternational stage, attracting partnerships, investments, and new opportunities to further advance our nation's sustainable developmentgoals.”

Themayorstatedthatin hisnewrole,hewillbe attending the Africa ClimateWeek which is being hosted by the Kenyan Government from 4 to 8 September 2023 in Nairobi. The intention of the Africa Climate Week is to buildmomentumahead oftheConferenceofthe Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change taking place later this year “I will be speak-ing on "Multilevel cli-mate action in Africa:

Tangible examples, ready for Scaling" as wellasserveasapanellist on the topic of “Developing Green corridors: Opportunities in Africa to achieve the 2030 shipping breakthrough & zero by 2050 –Aligning green shipping&greenhydrogen markets'.”

“I am confident that this is one of the opportunities that will empower me to drive positive change, share knowledge, and collaborate with other regional leaders to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for our town and country.”

Walvis Bay Mayor, Trevino Forbes has been appointed as a member of the RegionalMayorsForumoftheCovenantofMayorsinSub-SaharanAfrica.

The Walvis Bay Mayor, Trevino Forbes.

Photo Leandrea Mouers

Eileen van der Schyff

Leandrea Mouers

Exploring Namibia's Oil & Gas Discovery: A Conversation with Namport's Business Development Partner

InarecentconversationwithTautingeM.Festus,BusinessDevelopmentPartneratthe NamibianPortsAuthority,thediscussionrevolvedaroundNamibia'sburgeoningstatus asaplayerintheglobalenergylandscape.Theconfirmeddiscoveryofsubstantialoiland gas reserves has paved the way for economic growth and prosperity, not only for the nation but also for the Namibian PortsAuthority (Namport). Festus sheds light on the potential impact of this discovery on Namibia's maritime operations and the nation's economy

Q: Mr Festus, can you elaborate on how Namibia's oil and gas discovery has positioned the nation on the global energystage?

Mr Festus: Absolutely Namibia's recent confirmation ofsignificantoiland gas reserves is a game-changer

Ongoing exploration efforts have unveiledthesereserves offshore, attracting the attention of major international energy companies

This development has the potential to enhance our energy security and establish Namibia as a net exporter of hydrocarbons.

Q: From your perspective, how does thisdiscoveryspecifically impact the NamibianPortsAuthority?

MrFestus:Theimpact on the NamibianPortsAuthority, and especially on key ports like Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, is substantial. The oil and gas sectordemandsefficient transport and logistical support, and Namport is a vital piece of that puzzle.Theincrease in shipping activity directly translates into more revenue

opportunities through services like vessel handling, berthing fees,andcargooperations.

Q: Could you elaborate on the broader economic benefits that this discovery brings to Namport and the nation as a whole?

MrFestus:Certainly

The influx of investments tied to oil and gas operations necessitates infrastructure expansionandmodernisation.Namportcan seize this opportunity to upgrade its facilities, making them capable of accommodating larger vessels and more complex cargo requirements. This enhancement not only improves operational efficiency but also positions Namport as a regional hub for oil and gas logistics

Moreover, the industry's growth leads to job creation across various sectors, with Namport actively contributing by recruiting and training individuals for specializedroles.

Q: Beyond Namport, how does this discovery impact the broader Namibian economy?

Mr Festus: The discovery'srippleeffects areextensive.Foreign

Direct Investment (FDI) flows in from energy giants and related industries, fosteringnotonlythe development of the oilandgassectorbut also enhancing overall economic growth through innovation and technology transfer. Revenue generated from oil and gas exports can be channelled into critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, thereby enhancing the wellbeingofourcitizens.

Q:Inyourview,how does the oil and gas sector contribute to the diversification of Namibia'seconomy?

Mr Festus: Historically reliant on mining and agriculture, Namibia's economy gains resilience through diversification brought about by the oil and gas sector This diversification guards against an overdependence on a single industry, fostering long-term economicstability

Q: The development of specialised skills and expertise is crucial for any industry Howdoestheoiland gas sector contribute to this aspect in Namibia?

Mr Festus: Absolutely,theoilandgas industry demands specialised skills

The transfer of technical knowledge and thedevelopmentofa skilled workforce contribute to upskillingNamibiancitizens, leaving a lasting positive impact on our nation's humancapital.

Q: In your expert opinion,whatdoyou envision for the future of Namibia's oil andgassectorandits impact on the nation'sprogress?

Mr Festus: The potential for economic growth and development is immense With careful planning and strategic execution,Namibia's oilandgassectorcan truly become a cornerstone of national progress. This will not only benefit Namportbutalsothe broader Namibian economy through FDI, revenue generation, economic diversification, and skillsdevelopment. In this insightful conversation, Mr Tautinge M. Festus, Business Develop-ment Partner at the Namibian PortsAuthority, has shed light on the far-reaching implications of Namibia'soilandgas discovery Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Mr Tautinge M. Festus in this interview are his personal viewpoints.

Eileen van der Schyff

Eileen van der Schyff

It Takes a Village

Ridow-Ann van Beek, who is a registered dietitian, and based in Swakopmund, is the proud founder of the Mom'VillSupportGroup.

She explained that the Facebook support group is where mothers, soon-to-be mothers or aspiring mothers across Namibia can come together to share questions, thoughts, information and learn from each other regarding all things motherhood

“Whether a woman is trying to conceive, or even just thinking about wanting to have children one day, she can use this platform to learn from other moms or professionals.Forladiesthat are either pregnant or already have children, this is a great place to find support in areas such as breastfeeding, early childhood development, home-

schoolingorevenjustto share encouragement with one another along thejourney.”

Van Beek explained that through her profession, where she sees several mothers and aspiring mothers daily, it is clear that there is a definite gap in this kind of support. “This is especially true for young women.

We are often left to figurethingsoutaswego, and even when we're surrounded by older women like our aunts, mothers or grandmothers to guide us, we tend to still feel alone, because we have a lot more information thrown at us on social media; there are expectationsandanewwayof living that the previous generations might not

understandorrelateto.”

Sheaddedthatthename Mom'Vill is short for 'Mom Village' “The saying is, it takes a village to raise a child, andsoit'stimewecome together and create our own little virtual village on social media. This idea was inspired by a scripture in the Bible; Titus 2 verse 2-5 where olderwomenareencouraged to instruct the younger women in how to conduct themselves, and it highlights the importance of our roles as women Mothers haveareallybigresponsibility in society, and it starts at home, and with support I believe our generation can make a really big impact on the next. I hope to see the group grow into an intimate place where womencanbeopenwith each other about their motherhood journeys, and that other professionalswillalsojointhis group to be part of a community where we can close the gap between expert and mom and simply live out our calling in motherhood together, learning from eachother.”

She explained that as a dietitiansheworkswithin the public health sector to help manage and treat various health conditions using food and nutrition managementplans,bymeansof consultation. “Although I consult with a variety of people with different nutrition-related conditions, I have a passion

Ouma Barry Celebrates 90 Years

for breastfeeding support and for helping aspiring mothers with PCOS on theirjourneytoconceive. This area of passion influenced the support group for moms, yet instead of being the professional teaching others, I am part of the group to learn first-hand alongsideotherwomen.”

Van Beek stated that she believes women thrive in a community where everyone can be well informed,yetalsobeable to share their own experiencesandconcerns wherevertheyareintheir motherjourney

“Becoming a mom does notstartwhenawomanis pregnant,thereissomuch more that happens in retrospect that is God's way of preparing us for being mothers. We are nurturersbynature,andI really do hope that women all over Namibia can find a place that will support the truth about who they are and help provide them with the tools and a platform to sharetheirjourney.”

Ouma Sarah Barry, the oldest member of the Walvis Bay Child and Family Centre celebrated her 90thbirthdaythis week.

She says that she can only account her good health to the Lord's grace. “He has carried me through it all ” Ouma Barry, who has been blind since childhood says that this has not stopped her to be a wife, a mother, and grandmother “Too many times we pay attention to the wrong things, and to

people's opinion But when we do things the right way, the Lord's way,wewon'tgowrong.

God has given us free will, but it needs to be aligned with God's will.”

Supported by:

Ridow-Ann van Beek, registered dietitian and founder of the Mom'Vill Support Group. Photo contributed

Leandrea Mouers

Leandrea Mouers

Erongo's OM SEED 2023 Champ Crafts Organic Soap

From the vibrant landscapes of the North to the scenic Coast, the 2023 Old Mutual Sustainable Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED 2.0) initiative has illuminated Namibia's enterprising spirit; with winners coming fromtheKavangoEastRegion,HardapRegion,andfinallytheErongoRegion.

Thisinitiativehasnowconcluded,leavingnine remarkable individuals beaming as they each wontheirshareofacollectiveN$300000.

In collaboration with the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme(UNDP)Accelerator Lab, the Old Mutual Namibia Foundation is pleased to announce the successful winners of the2023OMSEEDErongoRegion. Leading this wave of innovation from the ErongoRegionisBiancaGuriras,the visionary founder of Guriras Organic Skincare, who walks away with the first prize of N$50 000. Guriras taps into the natural wealth of the ErongoRegion,craftingskincareproductsfrom locallyharvestedseaweed.

Her commitment to sustainable skincare and dedication to serving theAlbinism community inNamibiasetherjourneyapart.Gurirasshared her gratitude, "I am truly honoured by this recognition. OM SEED has given life to my dreams, and I eagerly continue promoting sustainable skincare while supporting those in need."

Paulina Alfeus, the creative force behind Fredina Trading cc, secured the second spot, earningN$30000.Heradepttransformationof discarded drums into functional furniture and appliances highlights the essence of waste reductionandsustainablecraftsmanship. LorenzoBezuidenhout,thedrivingforcebehind ElbiggoProductionsCC,claimedthethirdspot, walkingawaywithN$20000.Lorenzo'sefforts

in distributing Food Socks, an affordable and nutritious meal solution, resonate deeply with the needsofNamibianfamilies.

Mignon du Preez, Old Mutual Namibia's Group Marketing, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Executive is proud of the Old Mutual Foundation for being the driving force behind the lifechangingOMSEEDinitiative.

"FromKavangoEasttoHardapandErongo,these entrepreneurs symbolize the resilience and brilliance of our nation. Their journey embodies the transformative power of initiatives like OM SEED, fostering economic growth, innovation, andcommunityupliftment."

Du Preez concluded by wholeheartedly commending these exceptional entrepreneurs for their relentless drive and unwavering commitment."Theirsuccessstandsasatestament to Namibia's entrepreneurial talent. Watching the inspiring journey of these individuals and the positive impact they create fills the Old Mutual Foundationwithimmenseprideandjoy

The Old Mutual Foundation is Old Mutual Namibia's corporate social investment vehicle funded by a 1% of after-tax profit allocation annually–itaimstodeliverawiderangeofsocial initiativesthroughoutNamibia.Thekeyobjectives oftheOldMutualFoundationincludedeveloping andmaintaininganeffectivesocialempowerment initiative, create opportunities for skills development and to promote sustainable development.

Port Log

(Fltr): Joanola Izaaks, Coastal District Manager for Old Mutual Finance, Johanna Eliaser-Shatika, Retail Mass Foundation Sales Walvis Bay Branch Manager, Bianca Guriras, OM SEED 2023 Erongo region first place winner and Mariselle Stofberg, Group Communications Practitioner

PaulinaAlfeus, OM SEED 2023 Erongo region second place winner

Desert View Welcomes New Venture

Desert View Private School, established in 2021 in Walvis Bay,willbeprovidingahomeschoolingoptionforgrade10, 11and12learners.

Founderoftheschool, Ms Kim Koch stated that from the beginningtheirmissionasa school was to offer excellenteducationat anaffordableprice.

“Weoftenhaveenquiries for learners who have failed grade 10, 11 and 12 and due to space constraints options are limited for learners to repeat these grades at state schools. This leaves parentswitheitherthe option of a private schoolwhichisahuge or impossible financialburden.Theother option is Namcol –but not all learners have the discipline or ability to study on their own. Some parents also work full time and are not able to supervise or assist theselearners.

Learnersthenjustend up sitting at home as the opportunity for workislimited.”

She explained that this prompted Desert View Private School to offer a new and more affordable optionforparents.

“We have registered withtheHomeSchool Association of Namibia and have been issued our certificate.

GED is an international online home school option for Grade10to12,which is NQA registered in Namibia. We will be running a free trial from18Septemberto 18October Thisisfor learners who are at home and are already registered for GED and Pre GED (Grade 9) Learners have access to their own cafeteria, we provide free tea and coffee to all learners and the school provides free WIFI. Learners need to supply their own laptops. They will be supervised by one of our highly qualified Teachers, Mrs Sandja who holds four degrees. Even though the classes are taught online, she is available to further assist withexplanationsand tasks/assignments/ex ampreparations.”

Koch stated that the free trail is offered with no hidden charges and no hidden agendas.

“We are reaching out tolearnerswhoarealready registered for pre GED and GED and are at home.This providesthemwithan opportunity to be in a

schoolenvironmentbut still enjoy the advantages of home schooling such as wearing casual clothes The hours will be from 08:00 (gates open at 07:00) until 13:00. We have set up a stunning upgraded classroom, which caters for 25 learners.”

Forparentswhowould like their children to attendthisfreetrailcan send a message to 081 479 0725 with the child's name and surname, to secure their space.

“We can only cater for 25 learners at the moment, and the plan is definitely to make moreclassroomsavailable.”

“After the free onemonth trial, we will officially open our GEDonlinecentre.We arehopingthatthefree trial will bring upon a need and interest for such a centre This centrewillalsobenonprofitable. When we are officially open, our monthly fee will be N$800permonth.This fee is to simply cover our overheads (cafeteria costs, water, electricity, rental) and the teacherwhosupervises the class. We will not makeaprofitfromthis centre.”

For those learners who havefailedgrade10,11 and 12 and have no other options, for the GED diploma a once off registration fee of N$2 700 is required and thereafter, a monthly fee of N$800 for the use of the Desert View Private School Centre.

“Exam costs are also additional, but this is a far more affordable price for learners who don'thavetheoptionof going to a private school.”

“It's important to note that Desert View PrivateSchoolwillstillbe offeringnormalfaceto facelearningforGrade R to 12 but this online centre is especially aimed at Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners who have previously failed and cannot afford privateschooltuition.The GEDisnotlimitedtoa certain time frame and has to be completed from January to December It can be completed over 12 months where the learner can register at any time of the year For example, new learners who would like to register with us after our free

trial period, will then register on 18 September2023andwould then finish their grade inSeptember2024.”

DesertViewisaprivate school which offers Grade R to 12, includingadaycarefromage 2-5 years of age. The school uses the Cambridge University, International Syllabus and offer a Unique Columbian Syllabus from Grade R to 3, which serves as a foundation forGrade4andup.