N$410 000 pledged for Zambezi education

The business community pledged N$410 000 at a gala dinner at Walvis Bay on Friday to benefit schools in the Zambezi region.

The dinner forms part of the 11th Fish Consumption Day festivities that will take place throughout September at Katima Mulilo.

The festivities, which include school tournaments, fish sale promotion, cooking competitions and a market day, are held annually by the Namibia Food Consumption Promotion Trust in a chosen region.

This year, the day, which celebrates Namibian fisheries, is being held under the theme: “Celebrating our Oceans Reward”.

Fisheries and marine resources minister Derek Klazen was excited that the fishing industry would demonstrate that the fisheries and business sector cares and is committed to uplifting all Namibians.

He called upon the industry, business colleagues and individuals to give generously, urging them to honour their pledges.

“I must stress that even though N$686 000 was pledged during the gala dinner in 2022 in the Khomas region, only N$378 000 was realised. I, therefore, urge you all to pledge and honour your pledges. Through your contributions, you will demonstrate your commitment to achieving quality education for our children. I am confident we will do better than last year in our fundraising efforts tonight. In the same vein, I am informed that the school items bought with funds raised for the //Kharas region during the 2021 National Fish Consumption Day, including tables, chairs and hostel cutlery, will be handed over in October 2023,” he said.

Zambezi regional governor Lawrence Sampofu said the funds would improve the academic and sports performance of pupils from the region’s 105 schools, if they are honoured.

“We are thankful that the proceeds will impact on the Namibian child in the Zambezi region. We have dilapidated schools, classrooms and traditional structures of sticks and mud. Some pupils are still learning in tents and the learning environment is not conducive. We really value your support in assisting our region to develop and grow. The funds will be put to good use,” he said.”

The trust and its stakeholders have raised over N$5,4million since the start of the fundraising gala dinner donations, which have been invested into school needs, including the provision of mattresses, bunk beds, chairs, desks, lockers, fridges, computers, printers, school uniforms, bags of cement, frozen fish and utensils to the host regions.

The annual day has been hosted by 10 regions since it was launched at Swakopmund 10 years ago. Hardap, Kavango East and Ohangwena regions are yet to benefit.

The Hardap region won the draw for the 12th festivities set for next year.

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