Computer Lab for Namibian Primary School

Vital Stats

Kathryn M

  • people helped200
  • People Doing It 4

The Problem

Working under a WorldTeach contract, I am living and working at Lano Primary School in Onayena, Namibia. Onayena is a small town approximately 50miles from the Angolan border. The town consists of a government clinic, a post office, a police station, a few shops selling basic goods, a primary school, a secondary school and various homesteads. Homesteads are properties consisting of a cement building and huts (either for living or storage) enclosed by a stick fence for security. Having achieved independence from South African rule in 1991, Namibia is struggling to achieve sustainable levels of development. According to the United Nations Development Index, which ranks countries according to factors such as social progress, economics, equity and human security, Namibia ranks 125th out of 177 countries studied, which exemplifies it’s decrepit condition. The Ministry of Education is working towards providing a quality education for all Namibian children, but it is falling short in resources. Lano Primary School, a private school in Onayena, receives little government funding so all of the development funds come from the children’s school fees. Lano P.S. is a school that strives to provide excellence in education to all learners. Last year, the school placed fourth in the Oshikoto region according to their end of the year exam results. With the increased price of food (Lano P.S. is a boarding school) it is difficult for the administration to spend money on the necessary school resources. While Lano P.S. does have one computer that the learners use, it is very slow and outdated and it is logistically challenging trying to give all learners adequate computer time. I am a suitable person to solve this problem because I understand the value and importance of sustainability and how it must be incorporated into the life of the project. I am having the principal contribute 25% to the total cost of the computers and the Head of Department at the school is the owner of an internet café/computer seminar course so he will be able to maintain the computers once my contract with World Teach is complete.

Plan of Action

Initially, I sat down with Lano Primary School’s Principal and Head of Department (H.O.D) to discuss the school’s priorities. We came to the conclusion that providing additional computers for the school should be a top priority. In order to ensure sustainability for the project I requested that the principal contribute 25% of the total cost, to which she has agreed. It is important to involve all of the constant investors of the development project. I considered asking the learners parents to contribute a small amount towards the total cost. However, I decided that it would be an inappropriate request. Lano P.S. increased their admission two-fold this year, making it increasingly difficult for families to put their children through school. Additionally, it is common for learners to change schools from year to year depending on their family’s current income. I only want to accept contributions from investors that are constant beneficiaries of the computer lab. The only person who is a constant in the project is the principal. Lano Primary School’s H.O.D will also serve as a monitor for the assembly and maintanence of the computers. The H.O.D is a resourceful and intelligent entrepreneur where in addition to being H.O.D, he has opened the only internet café in the neighboring town. He has extensive computer knowledge which will ensure the sustainability of the computer lab. It is important that the leadership at the school feels invested in the project. This will help ensure that it is well taken care of after my contract with World Teach is complete.

Project Updates

Over the past few weeks, Lano Primary School has really taken ownership of the computer project. The room has been painted, tiled, and burglar bars have been installed on the windows and doors. I have sucessfully raised enough money to purchase five computers for the school which will be arriving within the month. However, I would like to raise enough funds for an additional five computers.

On August 18, 2008, I was awarded a Skvarla Foundation Mini-Grant of $500. With this grant, I will be able to purchase one SchoolNet computer, leaving only four more needed computers.

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