Lack of a school hall is a genuine concern at Fridrich Awaseb Secondary School in Grootfontein.

According to Board Chairperson Jack Tsanigab, the school loses out on opportunities and faces numerous challenges due to the absence of such a venue.

The school is one of the oldest in the area and, for decades, has operated without a school hall, while classroom blocks also require maintenance.

“As a parent, we are hoping for a school hall that Fridrich Awaseb has tried to build for a number of years, probably more than 10, but the community is still struggling to construct it. Fridrich Awaseb is one of the oldest schools in Grootfontein. It dates back to the colonial era and remains in the same condition. My plea to stakeholders and the government is that these children at least deserve a school hall,” Tsanigab emphasised.

In the absence of a dedicated hall, the school is compelled to rent community halls or church buildings to facilitate examinations for learners, including matriculants sitting their final exams.

Tsanigab described this situation as far from ideal:

“The children have to carry school chairs and desks to the community hall, which is 3 to 4 kilometres from the school, just to write exams. In this burning sun and harsh weather, the kids are forced to assemble outdoors. I am pleading with stakeholders and the government to ensure this school hall is completed.”

He urged the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, Civic Relations, and Community Development to prioritise schools in low-income areas, including villages and informal settlements, and he also called on the ministry to take note of the deteriorating infrastructure.

The school is home to over 800 learners in Grades 8 to 12.

Plans are underway to host fundraising activities to contribute to the construction costs of the school hall.