Fifty learners at Cause Primary School, a rural school in the Kavango West Region, can now attend classes with renewed dignity and confidence after receiving new school uniforms from the University of Namibia’s Rundu Campus Uniform Project on 07 October 2026.
The donation brings to 179 the number of learners the staff-driven project has supported at four primary schools in the Kavango East and Kavango West regions since 2024, at a cost of N$66,315 to date.
The idea was born during School-Based Studies (SBS) evaluations, when concerns were raised about learners from poor households who attend school in incomplete uniforms, or without warm clothing and shoes in winter.
“A child without a full uniform feels it every day, in the classroom and on the playground,” said Dr. Charity Ausiku, the project leader. “We could not keep seeing that in the schools we visit and do nothing about it.”
At Cause Primary School, 50 learners were selected through a needs assessment conducted by the school. Each received a pair of school shoes, a school shirt and a pair of socks, while 32 boys received trousers and 18 girls received skirts.
Project secretary Ms. Erwina Josef said each school decides who benefits. “The schools know their learners better than we do, so they tell us who needs help and we buy what those children are missing,” she said.
Among the contributors is Ms. Sophia Daries, who has retired from the campus but still gives to the project. “I retired from the campus, not from these children,” she said.
Learners, parents, teachers and community members warmly welcomed the donation and thanked the project team for its continued commitment.
Earlier beneficiaries are Ncumushi Junior Primary School (34 learners, who also received jerseys), Ndonga Primary School (45) and Mukuvi Primary School (50). In total, 100 boys and 79 girls have received shoes, socks and trousers or skirts.
The project is funded primarily through voluntary contributions from 34 academic and administrative staff members at the Rundu Campus.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 4, ending extreme poverty and ensuring inclusive, quality education, the initiative reflects UNAM’s commitment to community engagement, meeting learners’ immediate needs while promoting their inclusion and participation in school.
Kippie George Primary School, another rural school in Kavango East, is next on the list. Ausiku said continued support from staff and community partners will enable the project to reach even more learners.
Members of the project: Dr. Charity Ausiku (Project Leader), Ms. Erwina Josef (Secretary), Ms. Theresia Siyave, Dr. Mathilde Shihako, Mr. Alex Ilukena, Dr. Angelika Mukoya, Dr. Tetukondjele Iiyambo, Ms. Johanna Linonoka, Ms. Atanasia Awala-Nashima, Ms. Selma Mutangara, Ms. Justina Diyeve, Dr. Faustinus Shikukutu, Ms. Irmgard Moyo, Ms. Anna Fruginnta Mangundu, Ms. Rebecca Haingura, Ms. Jennety Situnda, Dr. Martha Nahole, Mr. Disho Muruti, Mr. Develias Ngatjiisiue, Ms. Mary Muyenga, Ms. Kaarina Paulus, Dr. Mbela Kalengay, Dr. Naftal Ngalangi, Mr. Joseph Kanyetu, Ms. Ester Mukete, Ms. Elizabeth Mutwamezi, Dr. Oiva Nauyoma, Ms. Sophia Daries, Ms. Alice Lifalaza, Ms. Hilma Kautondokwa, Mr. Andrew Muhapili, Ms. Lanna Makanga, Ms. Marian Sankombo and Ms. Rebecca Ihemba.
