Namibia: Hunters Promote Reading at Swakopmund School


The Namibian (Windhoek)

3 August 2007
Posted to the web 3 August 2007

Adam Hartman
Windhoek

"A GOOD education is the most effective tool to empower the children of Namibia to achieve their full potential, and therefore break the cycle of poverty."

These were the words of Marina Lamprecht of Hunters Namibia Safaris who recently donated hundreds of books to the primary school Hanganeni at Swakopmund.


About 840 books worth about N$56 000 were donated to the school from the safari operation's education trust.

The books, ranging from classic fairytales and more contemporary stories to colourful education material such as children's encyclopaedias and other non-fiction, will be added to the school's small library.

Lamprecht acknowledged the importance of reading, saying that being a competent reader was one of the most essential skills that every primary school pupil should develop.

"Promoting a love for reading at primary school level, by ensuring access to a variety of quality, interesting books, is an essential element of this process," she added.

"It will encourage the young learners to become competent readers, while at the same time the books will open a world of information and possibilities to the children.

This will allow them to dream - and if they have dreams and aspirations, and are committed to work diligently to achieve their dreams, anything is possible."

Hanganeni's Principal, Bertha Kadhila, said the donation was much appreciated by all those involved at the school.

She said the school strives to create a conducive environment for children, especially those from poor families, to enjoy a quality and balanced education.

She said the school's pupils would be encouraged to read the books, and with the help of teachers and parents, the children could grow into productive and responsible adults for Namibia.


The Lamprecht family has committed itself to assisting Namibian primary schools, particularly those serving marginalised communities, by establishing and improving libraries.

They have set up an education fund for that purpose, and also receives donations from international hunting organisations and trophy hunters.

Another project that they will facilitate soon is the construction of a library at the Festus Gonteb School at Swakopmund.

We hunted with the Lamprecht family in '03. Their daughter was training to be a teacher, their oldest son was just back from college and their youngest son was soon to go to college. They even had a nice school for the children of their staff on their ranch. They're obviously big on education.

Kyler

The Rogl family at Otjiruze Hunt and Guest farm also supports childrens education in their area. The have set up a program where a hunter can adopt a child for education purposes. The hunter then pays the tuition to the school for that child. $400 per year.