The School

Shamalindi school is a poorly funded government school located 6 km from Grootfontein, North East of Namibia. It serves the locations where farm labourers in the area live, and is the only school which can be reached without transport and high school fees by these people.

The erection of the school buildings began in  2002 / 2003 and was financed by Namibian government.

The plot of land for the school was given by a private individual, Mrs. Lydia Katjita, who is a teacher and was at that time Member of Parliament.

It has nearly 2 hectares, totally fenced.

Electricity and water are not available at the moment. Water must be pumped from a neighbouring plot, the pump for which is often broken. 

In two long buildings are five classrooms - they are all more or less furnished (there are not enough chairs and tables).

There is one additional room used as a store-room, or a library in future.  

On the plot there is a separate toilet block for children and teachers. 

The school collects very little in fees due to the poverty in the area.

Normally an amount of N$45.00 ( 5 Euros ) per child and school year would be asked from the parents...

But the children belong to the poorest of the poor and for their families it is often impossible to afford this money.

There are never enough materials, text books and stationery for a term. 

Sometimes they are provided by donations, sometimes Conni supplies them thanks to the financial donors. It is essential to make sure that the children have adequate paper and pens. 

The salaries of the teachers are paid by the government except the salary of the kindergarten teacher which is not recognized by the government.  So Conni has taken in charge that salary, thanks to the donors.