Unesco project benefits San children

NAMIBIA Dairies has donated 150 litres of milk to Unesco’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme for San communities of the Ohangwena Region.

This is the second donation of milk by the company. Studies commissioned by Unesco in 2000 identified the San people as the most disadvantaged and isolated community in the region, with very limited access to services and development opportunities.As a result Unesco and USAID started a project to promote the participation of San children in early childhood development at Ekoka, Endobe and Onamatadiva villages.The project started in 2002 with funding from USAID and the US Hero Campaign.Since 2004, Unesco has been working closely with caregivers and teachers to ensure regular attendance and quality of education.Twelve ECD caregivers were trained during the period and the infrastructure of the three ECD centres was improved.By the end of 2006, 181 San children were enrolled at the three ECD centres and attending school regularly.About 103 children were enrolled in primary school and about 40 of them are staying in two community hostels, reducing the distance they had to walk to school and improving attendance.The patron of the project is Deputy Prime Minister Libertina Amathila.Studies commissioned by Unesco in 2000 identified the San people as the most disadvantaged and isolated community in the region, with very limited access to services and development opportunities.As a result Unesco and USAID started a project to promote the participation of San children in early childhood development at Ekoka, Endobe and Onamatadiva villages.The project started in 2002 with funding from USAID and the US Hero Campaign.Since 2004, Unesco has been working closely with caregivers and teachers to ensure regular attendance and quality of education.Twelve ECD caregivers were trained during the period and the infrastructure of the three ECD centres was improved.By the end of 2006, 181 San children were enrolled at the three ECD centres and attending school regularly.About 103 children were enrolled in primary school and about 40 of them are staying in two community hostels, reducing the distance they had to walk to school and improving attendance.The patron of the project is Deputy Prime Minister Libertina Amathila.