ǁKharas commemorates International Day of Education with week-long pupil support campaign

The ǁKharas region has joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Education, marked annually on 24 January, through a week-long campaign focused on supporting pupils.

As part of the build-up to the international observance, newly elected regional councillors carried out education-related activities across the region.

These included providing financial assistance to tertiary students, donating stationery and school uniforms, and engaging pupils through motivational school visits.

The ǁKharas Regional Council on Monday issued a public notice inviting eligible students to apply for financial assistance for the 2026 academic year through constituency offices. The initiative is intended to strengthen the ministry’s subsidised tertiary education funding model.

Addressing pupils during school visits at Oranjemund, Oranjemund constituency councillor Nestor Sheimi said the campaign aimed to restore hope and highlight the role of education in changing lives, regardless of social background.

“Education remains the strongest tool to shape the lives of young people in this town, despite their social conditions,” he said.

Sheimi visited Garibams Secondary School and Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School, where he encouraged pupils to remain focused and disciplined. He also pledged to sponsor school uniforms for the best-performing pupils in grades 4 to 7 at Ambrosius Amutenya Primary School at the end of the 2026 academic year.

“Hard work must be recognised, and excellence should be encouraged from a young age,” he said.

At the Ulrich constituency, councillor Willem Dawids donated stationery to Don Bosco Primary School and Minna Sachs Primary School, citing ongoing economic challenges faced by many families.

“The government cannot do everything alone. Education must become a shared responsibility if we are serious about our future,” Dawids said.

He also commended Nama Qualand Investment CC for supporting the initiative and called on other local businesses to invest in education.

The campaign also reached Karasburg East, where councillor James Hawanga donated stationery to pupils affected by the Komsberg fire.
“In times of disaster, education must not come to a standstill,” Hawanga said.

The ǁKharas Education Campaign aligns with the theme of this year’s International Day of Education, ‘The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education’, reinforcing the region’s commitment to inclusive, equitable and quality education.

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