Poverty forces Okalongo pupils to use food packaging as schoolbags

Some Naiti Combined School pupils at Okalongo use makeshift items as schoolbags, because they cannot afford to buy these.

A Grade 1 pupil has been spotted at the school carrying a bag made of instant maize porridge packaging.

The school is appealing to good Samaritans to assist poverty-stricken pupils in any way possible.

School principal Vaino Shimutwikeni says the local community is facing severe economic challenges, which makes it hard for parents to afford essential items.

Shimutwikeni says additionally, many parents indulge in local brews such as tombo and neglect their children’s education.

“As a school, we are calling on good Samaritans to assist our pupils with school uniforms – especially shoes, socks and schoolbags.

“These pupils come from very vulnerable backgrounds. We as a school really try our best by actively holding fundraising initiatives to support the pupils where possible,” Shimutwikeni says.

“This school needs educational support. Our teachers also help buy the children uniforms and food.

“It is just hard. Despite the challenges, we as educators push on as we achieved commendable academic success by being ranked at seventh out of 26 schools in the Okalongo circuit in 2024,” he says.

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