Engen, Namibia’s top fuel company, has donated N$1 million to build four new classrooms in the rural north of the country.

The locales will be handed over to the Minister of Education, Dr David Namwandi, at an official ceremony in Oshana Region on the 25th September.

Other invited guests include the Governor of the region, Mr Clemens Kashuupulwa, the regional Director of Education, Ms Dutte Shinyemba, and the Inspector of the circuit.

Alleviating over-accommodation
The classrooms will add to the capacity of two rural schools in Oshana - Ukwiyuushona Primary School and Okatana Primary School.

“The schools can now properly accommodate 180 more learners – 45 per classroom,” says Hamunyela. “The classrooms will relieve congestion primarily in Grades 0 and 1.

Helping out
Nangula Hamunyela, MD of Engen Namibia, says the company also coordinated the procurement and contractor selection process, and shared oversight of the building works and final inspection, to ensure standards were met and building plans complied with.

In addition, seven Engen dealers in the region have agreed to donate 180 desks and chairs for the classrooms, and Jan Everson of Seal Consulting Engineers has donated professional services in the handling of tenders and supervision of the work.

“Engen Namibia recognises the current challenges faced by government in terms of physical infrastructures in rural areas,” says Hamunyela. “Vision 2030 will only be realised if all stakeholders, including the private sector, play their roles and contribute towards economic development and social upliftment of societies.”

Investing in the future
She says as a leader in the Namibian fuel market, Engen feels an obligation to give back to the community and invest in its sustainability. “We want to contribute to the welfare of the communities we do business in. Education is particularly close to our hearts, as it is our future.”

Engen will continue its association with the two schools, by means of upkeep and maintenance of the classrooms, donations of books for grades 0 and 1 as well as upkeep of kindergartens in the informal settlements of Windhoek and Walvisbay where its head office and main terminal are located respectively.

For more information please contact:

Nangula Hamunyela, Managing Director
Engen Namibia on Tel:  +264 61 296 910 or via email: Nangula.Hamunyela@engenoil.com