An initiative aimed at assisting public schools in need, the Desk and Chair Initiative, was launched in Windhoek on Tuesday.
The initiative aims to address the shortage of furniture in public schools throughout Namibia’s 14 regions.
The Old Mutual Foundation kicked off the initiative at Dr Abraham Iyambo Primary School at Katutura.
Speaking at the launch, acting school principal Alexia Ileka said chairs and desks are desperately needed in most schools throughout the country.
“This initiative will have a positive effect on the pupils’ capacity to perform,” she said.
At the same event, Mignon du Preez, the Old Mutual Namibia group marketing public affairs and sustainability executive, said the initiative aims to provide new chairs and desks to schools with a real need, while also repairing all fixable damaged chairs and desks.
“Schools will have to submit an application on the Old Mutual website, which requests them to motivate why their school deserves the support, including other relevant information such as the number of fixable chairs and desks they have,” he added.
Applications opened on Tuesday and will close on 25 August, with the announcement of selected schools set for 15 September.