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1. Getting a new fence and gate to improve school security. We are working hard to make our school secure. Already we have added burglar bars to the library door and windows, constructed a wall at the entrance of the school, and hired a security guard to watch over the school at night and on weekends. Our biggest problem however, with regard to security, lies in the fencing that currently surrounds the school. While we hope to continue obtaining resources for the school, we are hesitant due to the lack of security. Currently, the school is enclosed by a fence made of palm frawns and chicken wire. The fence is clearly not secure. Any person can very easily enter the school premises without even having to climb a fence, gate, or wall. Once inside, they can easily retrieve the resources they desire, and quickly escape with little or no trouble. 

Our hope is to improve the security of the school premises, thus dissuading intruders. We would like to build a nice, strong fence that would surround the school. During term two this year, we built a new wall at the entrance to the school, but we simply need a new fence and gate to attach it to and complete the security of the school grounds. 

This improved security will not only control who enters and exits the school, but it will also help to boost the school’s morale a great deal. Learners will take pride in the school that they attend, and they will value the resources kept securely within its boundaries. Furthermore, outside organizations, that want to donate resources such as computers and overhead projectors, will be more inclined to help out if they know that their donations will be kept safe from thieves and vandalism.

Quotation from Benz Building Supplies for needed materials:

2. Computer Lab/Computer Training for Teachers. With electricity up and running at the school, we are now very motivated to take the next step and equip our school with a fully functioning computer lab. We want our school to be able to compete with other schools in Namibia, thus giving our learners a fair chance at attending university and achieving all of their goals and dreams. Obtaining ten computers for a lab large enough to hold functioning classes is only one aspect of this project.  

In order for this project to really be sustainable, we have to make sure that at least half of the teachers at the school are trained in the basic functioning and maintenance of computers. Ideally, they would take one of the six month courses that are available in town. These courses will not only teach them the basics, but they also have the chance to learn how to use all of the Microsoft Office programs, surf the net, and create a website. This can be life changing for both the teachers, as professionals in Namibia, and also the learners who will reap the benefits of their teacher’s new found knowledge. 

3. Lookin’Fresh!  Uukwiyoongwe C.S. is in desperate need of a new coat of paint. The school has gradually increased in size over the years, and this has led to a very mismatched cluster of school buildings, each one marking a different era of construction techniques and color preference. You can very easily tell the order in which the buildings were erected as there have been no attempts to maintain a nice, clean, matching paint job whatsoever.  

We believe that the lack of interest in school, misbehavior, and disrespect of school property, demonstrated but some of our learners are linked very directly with the amount of pride the learners have in their school. It is difficult to take pride in a facility where everywhere the paint is mismatched, chipped off, or nonexistent. Furthermore, there is no proof on any of the buildings that the compound is in fact Uukwiyoongwe Combined School. No school logo, no mission statement, no mural painted by the learners. Currently, in all honesty, the school looks like an old military base of sorts. 

Painting the whole school and new wall, as well as painting the school logo and mission statement on the wall of the school, will have a huge impact. Learners will begin to take pride in the institution where they are receiving their education and we believe it will show in their school work. A fresh new look will also help to market the school to young, new teachers fresh out of the Teacher College. Often times, new teachers are hesitant to take posts that are in rural villages, however, if we can clean up the school’s appearance, we can also attract these teachers. 

4. HIV/AIDS Mural. As I am sure you know HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that is killing thousands of Namibians each year. Currently, in the Oshana Region, the HIV/AIDS rate is around 22%. It is extremely important that the learners and community members know that the school is a very strong supporter of putting an end to this horrible disease. This project will allow the learners to come up with the best message that they believe will cut to the core of the issue and help the people in their community. Painting a mural can be empowering, inspiring, motivational, serve as a constant reminder, and can also be a lot of fun. We believe that this project can be a sub project of the overall painting of the school. 

Perhaps we could focus on grades 8-10. So, that’s 90 learners each having 8 subjects. So, we only need about N$43,200  (USD$6,353)…I’ll keep you posted. 

"I'd Like to Help!"