Vice President Lucia Witbooi has made a commitment to seek financial support for two volunteer educators and mobilise sponsorship for a proper learning structure at an Early Childhood Development centre in Otjimanangombe Village, Omusati Region. The centre, established in June 2025, caters mainly for children from the Ovatwe and Ovatjimba communities and currently operates with only two volunteer educators. Witbooi made the pledge during a site visit to the Lucia Witbooi Early Childhood Development Centre in the Ruacana Constituency.
The centre serves 102 children, but its operations are hampered by a lack of resources, with many parents unable to contribute towards the educators' expenses due to unemployment and limited household incomes. Witbooi highlighted the need for greater investment in early childhood education, particularly for children from marginalised communities. She described the situation as requiring intervention to ensure the educators receive some remuneration for their work.
Witbooi's office is seeking sponsorship to replace the existing facility with a proper structure that would provide a more suitable learning environment for the children. She called on companies and other corporate entities to support the initiative, emphasising that the government alone could not carry the responsibility of ensuring that every child receives quality early childhood education. The Vice President urged corporate entities to come on board and assist in the quest to provide better education.
Witbooi emphasised the importance of investing in children from an early age, describing early childhood development as an investment in Namibia's future. She said the 102 children at the centre should be viewed not merely as learners, but as future professionals and leaders who could contribute to the development of the country. The Vice President commended the two educators for continuing to teach despite receiving no regular remuneration.
During her visit, Witbooi urged parents and community leaders to take a more active role in their children's education, particularly by ensuring regular attendance and working closely with educators. She appealed to parents to ensure that children attend lessons consistently and receive the support they need to succeed. Witbooi also encouraged community members to work together to ensure that children are protected and given access to quality education.
The Vice President's visit to the centre was part of her official mission to the Kunene Region, but she decided to make a stop in Omusati to meet the children, educators, and members of the surrounding community. Witbooi reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that no Namibian child is excluded from education. However, the centre's reliance on volunteer educators highlights the challenges faced by communities trying to provide early childhood services in marginalised areas.
Witbooi concluded her visit by calling on the regional leadership, parents, educators, and community members to work together to ensure that children receive the best education possible. She expressed her appreciation for the dedication and selflessness of the two volunteer educators and emphasised the need for collective action involving government, communities, and the private sector to improve the centre's infrastructure and support those providing education.
Key points
- Vice President Lucia Witbooi pledges support for an ECD centre in Omusati Region, serving 102 children.
