Chairman Mao Zedong High School, named after the Chinese communist revolutionary leader, has become a beam of hope for students, who had to receive lessons in makeshift temporary structures.

According to George Louw, the principal, the school in Otjomuise 7de Laan informal settlement in Windhoek is bridging gaps of education provision in the community.

"The school has given hope not only to educators and the community, but also to our learners who now have the privilege of accessing inclusive education in a conducive learning environment. The learners were previously taught in tents before moving to this school," he said on Wednesday.

Gerard Vries, Director of Education in Khomas region, said the opening of the school has addressed a major challenge -- school and classrooms space shortages -- and obviated classes in tents.

The school, which had its first intake of learners in May last year, culminated from a bilateral agreement signed between the Nambian education ministry and the China Youth Development Foundation in 2011.

A year on, the school now accommodates a total of 653 students registered for the 2017 school year in the grades 8 to 12.

Louw added that its facilities comprising 23 classrooms, chemistry and physics laboratory, computer laboratory, music room, multi-purpose hall and a sport field is not only offering learners access to academic education, but holistic learning approach in other social elements.

"Our learners are given a chance to social and inclusive quality education while teachers have access to a resource center for continuous professional development. This way they have an opportunity to groom other skills and identify other talents," Louw said.

The mantra of the school is to groom learners into disciplinary visionary leaders, he added.

Parents and the community are delighted, too. "The Chinese-funded school has not only changed the landscape of the location but also brought educational services at the community's doorsteps," said Naemi Shikongo, a 7de Laan resident.

Source: Xinhua